What Happened
In Game 4 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final, the Edmonton Oilers faced the Florida Panthers, resulting in a dramatic 5-4 overtime victory for the Oilers. The game was notable for the performance of Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner, who was pulled from the game after allowing three goals on 17 shots in the first period. This marked the second consecutive game in which Skinner was replaced due to poor performance; he had also been pulled in Game 3 after giving up five goals on 23 shots. Calvin Pickard entered the game as Skinner’s replacement and played a pivotal role in the Oilers’ comeback, stopping 22 of 23 shots faced.
Despite a rocky start, the Oilers managed to rally from a 3-0 deficit, tying the game in the third period and ultimately winning in overtime with a goal from Leon Draisaitl. This victory evened the series at two games apiece, setting the stage for a competitive remainder of the Stanley Cup Final.
Key Details
- Game Performance: Stuart Skinner allowed three goals in the first period before being replaced by Calvin Pickard. In contrast, Pickard stopped 22 of 23 shots, demonstrating a strong performance in relief.
- Scoring Breakdown: The Panthers scored three goals in the first period, including two power-play goals from Matthew Tkachuk. The Oilers managed to tie the game in the third period, with Jake Walman giving Edmonton its first lead before Sam Reinhart equalized for Florida with 20 seconds left in regulation.
- Overtime Heroics: Leon Draisaitl scored the game-winning goal in overtime, marking his second overtime goal of the series and his fourth of the postseason. This performance places him among a select group of players in NHL history with multiple overtime winners in a single Stanley Cup Final.
- Series Status: The victory tied the best-of-seven series at 2-2, with Game 5 scheduled to take place in Edmonton.
Multiple Perspectives
The decision to pull Skinner has drawn varied interpretations. Some analysts, such as ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski, noted that Skinner’s removal was surprising given his previous playoff success, particularly in Game 4s. Skinner had a strong historical performance in playoff series, boasting a 6-0 record in Game 4s with a 1.26 goals-against average and a .955 save percentage prior to this series. This context raises questions about the timing and rationale behind the coaching decision.
Conversely, others argue that the switch to Pickard was necessary given Skinner’s recent struggles. Pickard’s performance in relief, which included stopping critical shots during the overtime period, has led some to advocate for him to be the starting goalie moving forward. Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch’s decision to wait until the last moments of the first period to make the change has also been scrutinized, with Pickard himself commenting on the abruptness of the switch.
Context & Background
The Edmonton Oilers have a storied history in the NHL, with multiple Stanley Cup victories, but they have faced challenges in recent seasons. The 2025 Stanley Cup Final marks a significant opportunity for the team to reclaim glory. Stuart Skinner, who had been a key player for the Oilers throughout the playoffs, was expected to perform well based on his previous postseason track record. However, the pressure of the Stanley Cup Final and the performance of the opposing team have highlighted vulnerabilities in the Oilers’ goaltending situation.
Calvin Pickard’s emergence as a reliable backup has added complexity to the Oilers’ goalie situation. His success in the postseason, including a perfect 6-0 record prior to Game 4, has raised questions about whether he should be the starting goalie moving forward, especially as the series becomes increasingly competitive.
What We Don’t Know Yet
As the series progresses, uncertainties remain regarding the Oilers’ goaltending strategy. It is unclear whether Stuart Skinner will regain his starting position for Game 5 or if Calvin Pickard will be given the opportunity to build on his strong performance in Game 4. Additionally, the psychological impact of being pulled from consecutive games may affect Skinner’s performance if he returns to the net.
Furthermore, the overall health and performance of both teams will be crucial as they head into the next game. The Oilers will need to maintain their momentum from the comeback victory, while the Panthers will be looking to rebound after losing a commanding lead. The dynamics of the series are likely to shift as both teams adjust their strategies in response to the unfolding events.
