Oilers' Kris Knoblauch Offers Head-Scratching Comments on Goalie Issue
Oilers' Kris Knoblauch Offers Head-Scratching Comments on Goalie Issue originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Edmonton Oilers dropped Game 5 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final to the Florida Panthers. From the start of the game, Florida looked very much in control and used that to grab a massive 3-2 series lead over the Oilers.
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The Oilers are now being tasked with having to go on the road in Game 6 to avoid elimination. But if they can make it happen, Game 7 would be played back home in front of their loyal fans.
However, the Oilers have a real problem at the goalie position right now. Both Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard have struggled against the Panthers, and it has put Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch in a tough position.
Knoblauch wouldn't name who the starter would be in Game 6, but he didn't shy away from defending his players. The Oilers leader pushed back on criticism of his guys, and said that either player could help them win the elimination game.
However, his comments were a little odd considering both have struggled heavily of late.
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'We've got two goalies that have shown that they can play extremely well and win hockey games, and we feel that no matter who we choose they can win the game," Knoblauch said.
Edmonton Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch looks on during the third period against the Florida Panthers in game four of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena. Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Skinner has gone 7-6 with a 2.99 GAA, a .891 save percentage, and three shutouts in 14 starts this postseason. Pickard owns a record of 7-1, with 2.85 GAA and a .886 save percentage in 10 games.
Edmonton will need to figure something out; otherwise, they run the risk of losing two straight Stanley Cup Finals to Florida. Game 6 will be played on Tuesday, June 17, at 8 p.m. ET from Sunrise, Florida.
Related: Mitch Marner Rumors: 4 Teams May Have Upper Hand on Maple Leafs Star
Related: Panthers' Paul Maurice Turns Heads With Stanley Cup Final Comments
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 15, 2025, where it first appeared.
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