Which Edmonton Oiler deserves the start in Game 5 more, Stuart Skinner or Calvin Pickard?

With Game 4 of the NHL Stanley Cup Final having just been completed, it’s time to look at who the Edmonton Oilers should be starting for Game 5 at home in Oil Country. Last night had all the emotions, with Edmonton finding themselves down 3–0 by the end of the first period and already in a hole.

Because of the way that the start of the game went, Stuart Skinner ended up being pulled after the first 20 and did not deserve it. Skinner made 14 saves on 17 shots and looked really solid to start the game. The Oilers coaching staff was probably looking to change things up, to try and take control the rest of the way and reset.

Why Stuart Skinner should start Game 5

Stuart Skinner this year, has been a 50/50 goalie and you never know what you are going to get from him. He will either allow three or more goals, or allow one and maybe even get a shutout.

Mr. Game 4 as we like to call him, did not quite have the game that anyone was expecting and I understand why the Oilers coaching staff made the decision that they did. As a goalie, looking from Skinner’s perspective, it is always hard when you get pulled to stay positive and keep high hopes. I’m sure Skinner knows that he had to be better in this game and this allows him to rest and take a break, which may have actually been needed.

If you were looking to play Skinner in Game 5, you would think about giving him the nod in net because of his history through Games 5 to 7. Last year, he brought the Oilers all the way to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final and was a huge part of their three-game comeback. Unfortunately they lost 2–1, but the Edmonton Oilers goaltender definitely gave them a chance to win. That is what you look for from any goalie and the Oilers may consider that when they decide who gets the start.

Why Calvin Pickard should start Game 5

Calvin Pickard has been the Oilers B netminder all season and has been very consistent for the team. This statement is definitely true, when you look at his play in the 2025 NHL Playoffs. Pickard is undefeated in his starts in the playoffs and that is a very impressive feat. Lucky number seven is 7–0 in the post season this year.

Edmonton decided to move to their second option, after they had found themselves down 2–0 in the round one series against the Los Angeles Kings. Skinner and the Oilers had allowed 12 goals in two games to start their new post season run and desperately needed changes.

This move would end up working wonders for the orange and blue, as Calvin would end up winning six straight games and moving the Oilers past the Kings for the fourth straight season. He also set them up to have a 2–0 series lead over the Vegas Golden Knights.

If you were looking to play Pickard in Game 5, you would think about giving him back-to-back chances in the net because of his record in the playoffs and how he has been playing in these big important moments. I personally think that Calvin Pickard will be getting the start in Game 5, we will soon find out.

What do the Edmonton Oilers need to change in front of their goalies?

Yes Edmonton has to decide what to do in the goalie department, but there are also things that need to change in front of the goalie to help make winning the game, just that much easier for them. The power play has not been where it has wanted to be or needed to be.

The Oilers have gone four for 20 with an extra man in the Stanley Cup Playoffs so far. Even though a power play at 20% is a pretty good number, it has not been as consistent as the team would have preferred. Edmonton went one for four on the man advantage in games one and four. In Games 2 and 3, one for six was their power play rate.

Penalties have been piling up, especially for the orange and blue and there have been a lot of minutes spent with a man in the box. Six minutes in game one, 12 minutes in game two, a crazy 85 minutes in game three and finally, eight minutes in game four—the most recent game. That works out to be a total of 111 minutes through four games and an average of 27.8 minutes per game—that is almost a period and a half with a man spent in the box.

Finally, another aspect of the Oilers gameplay that in my opinion needs to change, is their shot on net quantities and qualities. Edmonton has been getting their shots and chances every game, there is no question about that. But they have not had too many Grade A scoring opportunities, which could have resulted in a puck in the back of the net.

With a scheduled three games remaining in the Stanley Cup Final, who do you think should get the start in Game 5 and why? One thing is for sure, we will find out. Let us know your thoughts and decisions in the comments.