Oilers’ goaltender Stuart Skinner pulled again after allowing 3 goals in the first period, raising concerns about playoff consistency.
When the Edmonton Oilers entered the 2025 Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers, much of the talk centered around Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and the team’s high-powered offense. But underneath the star-studded spotlight, the Oilers’ fate — like so many other playoff-bound teams before them — was always going to be decided by the man in the crease. That man, for better or worse, has been Stuart Skinner.
In Game 4 of the Finals, Skinner was pulled yet again after allowing three goals in the first period. It was a decision that sent shockwaves through Rogers Place and renewed scrutiny of his reliability in the most critical moments. For the third time this postseason, the Oilers turned to backup Calvin Pickard in relief — and again, Pickard stabilized the situation, backstopping Edmonton to a stunning 5-4 overtime comeback win.
Now, serious questions loom: Can the Oilers truly trust Skinner in the biggest games? Is a goaltending change not only warranted — but necessary?
From Rising Star to Risk Factor
Stuart Skinner is no stranger to adversity. A 2023 NHL All-Star and a breakout performer during the regular season, he was seen as a long-term solution in net. Drafted in the third round (78th overall) by the Oilers in 2017, Skinner paid his dues in the AHL and earned his shot during the 2022–23 season. His calm demeanor, size (6-foot-4), and impressive puck tracking made him a fan favorite and a foundational piece in Edmonton’s long quest for stability in goal.
But the playoffs are different. And Skinner’s 2023 and 2024 postseason performances hinted at what has now become a worrying pattern: inconsistency in high-leverage moments.
In the 2024 playoffs, Skinner was pulled multiple times, most notably against Vancouver in the second round. This year, despite a strong regular season, the signs of trouble reemerged early and have only intensified through the Stanley Cup Final.
Game 4 Meltdown: Turning Point or Breaking Point?
The Game 4 decision was dramatic but not shocking to those who’ve followed the Oilers closely. In just over 17 minutes of ice time, Skinner allowed three goals on 11 shots, including a soft one that slipped under his pad on a routine play. The boos started to mount. Head coach Kris Knoblauch, clearly sensing the momentum shift and the importance of the moment, pulled the trigger.
Enter Calvin Pickard.
The journeyman backup, who’s played for five different NHL teams and spent much of his career in the minors, stepped into the fire and didn’t flinch. He stopped 22 of 23 shots, giving the Oilers a chance to claw their way back into the game. And they did — capped off by a Leon Draisaitl overtime winner that may have saved their season.
But that comeback has only deepened the dilemma. With the series tied 2-2 and momentum hanging in the balance, can the Oilers afford to go back to Skinner?
