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Oilers Coach Backs Calvin Pickard After Game 5 Loss to Panthers

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Jun 16, 2025 8:44 AM ET

With the Stanley Cup on the line and the series now tilted 3–2 in the Florida Panthers' favor, the Edmonton Oilers are facing another goaltending decision.

Although the decision to start backup netminder Calvin Pickard in Game 5 backfired, coach Kris Knoblauch isn’t ready to name the starter for Game 6 yet.

"I'm not going to make that decision right now after a tough loss like tonight," Knoblauch said following Saturday’s 5–2 defeat at Rogers Place.

The Oilers gave Pickard his first start since the second round against the Vegas Golden Knights, with the goalie boasting a perfect 7–0 record in the postseason before Saturday's puck drop.

Coach Knoblauch spoke with the media before the #Oilers left for Florida this morning about overcoming slow starts heading into Game 6, goaltending plans & dealing with the long travel.@Enterprise | #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/odGJcPIfuL
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) June 15, 2025

Pickard, however, allowed four goals on 18 shots in his first loss of the playoffs. Even then, Knoblauch defended the goalie during his postgame media availability, leaving the door open for another start in Game 6.

“From what I saw, I think Picks didn't have much chance on those goals,” Knoblauch said. “Breakaways, shots through screens, slot shots. There's nothing saying that it was a poor performance.”

Brad Marchand opened the scoring for Florida with a solo effort midway through the first, and Sam Bennett made it 2–0 minutes later. Marchand struck again to open the third.

Knoblauch pointed to broader issues beyond goaltending, calling out his forwards and defensemen instead of blaming the loss on his goalie.

“You know, when the pressure is not on them that they have to make every single save to keep this close or keep us ahead, it’d be nice to get some goal support,” Knoblauch said. “Obviously, last night was a case where we were having difficulty generating offense.”

Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final is scheduled for Tuesday in Sunrise, FL, where the Panthers will have a chance to win their second consecutive championship.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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