Oilers HC Kris Knoblauch speaks out on team's goalie tandem after pulling Stuart Skinner from Game 4 of Stanley Cup finals

Edmonton Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch is positive about the team's goalie situation after Game 4 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final. Stuart Skinner started the game and gave up three goals on 17 shots in the first period. Calvin Pickard replaced him and helped the Oilers come back and win 5-4 in overtime to tie the series 2-2.

Knoblauch said both goalies have helped the team get this far. Knoblauch said, via NHL.com):

"Both goalies have been really good... for us to getting here. Stu, since (Game 3 against Vegas - when Pickard's) injury came in and played some really good games, the Vegas series, and Dallas series. And anytime we haven't been strong in front of him, it's unfortunate. Like last night in the first period."

Knoblauch said the team didn’t play well in front of Skinner in Game 4, which made his job harder. Pickard stepped in and made 22 saves out of 23 to keep the team in the game.

Knoblauch praised both goalies and said it’s good to have a reliable tandem:

"As a coach, we make that switch. 'Picks' comes in and makes some huge, huge saves (after goalie change). It's nice we've got a nice tandem -- they're going back and forth, and each one has been really solid for us."

Skinner currently has a 2.99 goals-against average and a 7-6 playoff record. Those stats come with a .891 save percentage, and he also has three shutouts. Before Thursday’s game, he had won six straight Game 4 starts with strong numbers.

Pickard, on the other hand, has a 7-0 record with a 2.69 GAA and a .896 save percentage. But, he has not started since Game 2 against the Vegas Golden Knights.

After their close Game 4 win, the Oilers' starting goalie's name is in question

On Thursday, the Panthers scored first with two power-play goals by Matthew Tkachuk and an even-strength goal by Anton Lundell to lead 3-0.

In the second period, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins made it 3-1 on a power play. Darnell Nurse scored second, and Vasily Podkolzin tied the game after a rebound.

In the third period, Jake Walman gave Edmonton a 4-3 lead, but Reinhart tied it 4-4 late in regulation. In overtime, Draisaitl finally scored the game-winning goal.

The Oilers will now decide who starts Game 5. Knoblauch said the team is not ready to name a starter yet.

"I'm not going to name (a starter) yet," Knoblauch said on Friday, via NHL.com.

Now the Oilers will be moving home to play their next game on Saturday in Edmonton.