Stuart Skinner Gets the Start in Goal as Oilers Look to Force Game 7 in Stanley Cup Final
The Edmonton Oilers are on the brink. Down 3-2 in the Stanley Cup Final, it’s do-or-die tonight at Rogers Place, and Stuart Skinner will be between the pipes once again as the Oilers fight to extend their season and send the series back to Florida for a winner-take-all Game 7.
Skinner has had a roller-coaster postseason, but his recent performances have helped reignite belief among Oilers fans and within the locker room itself. Edmonton has clawed its way back into the series after falling into a daunting 3-0 hole, with Skinner playing a key role in back-to-back wins to keep their Cup hopes alive. He’ll need to be at his sharpest again tonight.
The Moment is Now
This is the biggest game of Stuart Skinner’s career.
The 25-year-old Edmonton native has faced heavy scrutiny throughout the playoffs, especially during the early part of the series when the Panthers jumped out to a commanding lead. But Skinner has responded with poise and resiliency—qualities that have defined his season. Over the last two games, he’s posted a .930 save percentage and looked far more settled in his crease, reading the play better and controlling rebounds.
“I’m just trying to stay in the moment and do my job,” Skinner said after practice on Tuesday. “We’ve been fighting all year to get to this point. The guys in front of me are giving it everything. It’s my job to do the same.”
That mentality is exactly what the Oilers need from their starter tonight. The margin for error is razor-thin against a Florida team that thrives on relentless forechecking and capitalizing on mistakes. But if Skinner can hold the line early and give his team confidence, Edmonton’s high-powered offense has the tools to take over.
Oilers Riding Momentum
The Oilers’ surge over the last two games has been impressive, and there’s a sense around the team that the tide has turned. After being shut down by Sergei Bobrovsky and a suffocating Panthers defense in Games 1 through 3, Edmonton exploded for eight goals in Game 4 and followed it up with a gutsy 5-3 win in Game 5 on the road.
Connor McDavid has elevated his game to another level, as only the best player in the world can. With four points in each of the last two contests, he now leads all playoff scorers with 42 points in 23 games. The captain has been nothing short of sensational, and the team has followed his lead.
Leon Draisaitl, after a quiet start to the series, registered three assists in Game 5 and looks more engaged. Zach Hyman continues to create havoc in front of the net, and the Oilers’ depth scoring—from Ryan McLeod to Mattias Janmark—has been timely and essential.
On the blue line, Evan Bouchard and Mattias Ekholm have provided stability and composure, while Darnell Nurse is expected to be in the lineup despite playing through injury.
Projected Lineup for Game 6
Here’s how the Oilers are expected to line up as they look to keep their Stanley Cup dreams alive:
FORWARDS
1st Line: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins – Connor McDavid – Zach Hyman
2nd Line: Dylan Holloway – Leon Draisaitl – Evander Kane
3rd Line: Warren Foegele – Ryan McLeod – Corey Perry
4th Line: Mattias Janmark – Derek Ryan – Connor Brown
DEFENSE
1st Pair: Mattias Ekholm – Evan Bouchard
2nd Pair: Brett Kulak – Vincent Desharnais
3rd Pair: Darnell Nurse – Cody Ceci
GOALTENDER
Starter: Stuart Skinner
Backup: Calvin Pickard
Notably, the Oilers are continuing to trust the same top six that’s been producing at a high level during the series comeback. Holloway’s emergence as a fast, physical presence on the second line has added another dimension to Edmonton’s attack, while the veteran presence of Perry and Janmark has provided much-needed playoff savvy on the bottom lines.
What to Expect in Game 6
Expect an electric atmosphere at Rogers Place. The Oilers faithful have been waiting 18 years to see their team on the brink of a Stanley Cup Final comeback, and the energy in the building could be a major factor. If Edmonton can ride that wave early, get pucks deep, and put pressure on Bobrovsky, they’ll have a real shot at evening this series.
Discipline will be key. Florida has shown they can score on the power play when given the chance, so staying out of the penalty box is a must for the Oilers. Conversely, Edmonton’s power play—still deadly even if not quite as dominant as earlier in the playoffs—will need to take advantage of every opportunity.
Stuart Skinner’s performance will be under the microscope. One more strong showing from him, and the Oilers could be headed back to Sunrise for Game 7 with a chance to win it all.
One Game at a Time
“We’ve believed all along,” said head coach Kris Knoblauch. “There’s a lot of character in this room. Everyone’s pulling in the same direction, and we’re just focused on the next shift, the next period, the next game.”
Tonight, the season comes down to 60 minutes—or more. Stuart Skinner has the crease. The stars are aligned. All that’s left is to write the next chapter in what’s already been a historic run.
Puck drop is at 6 p.m. MT.
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