With the Edmonton Oilers shutting out the Vegas Golden Knights in the final two games of their 2025 Western Conference NHL Stanley Cup Playoff series, is it time to reconsider their goaltending? In Round 1 against the Los Angeles Kings, the Oilers struggled to get out of the gate, but a change in the crease gave them a new lease on life. Calvin Pickard replaced Stuart Skinner in goal, and Edmonton looked rejuvenated. They claimed four straight wins to end the Kings’ season.
The Saga of the Edmonton Oilers Playoff Goaltending
Then in Round 2, the Oilers’ success continues. A big pair of wins on the Vegas Strip meant the Oilers came home looking to close the series out, but Pickard was hurt in Game 2. He didn’t play in the rest of this series. So, the displaced Stuart Skinner returned to the net. He gave up a game-winner with 0.4 seconds left in Game 3. However, that was followed up with back-to-back shutouts. Those two shutouts ended the Golden Knights’ season. Is it time to revisit the concerns about the Oilers’ goaltending?
Skinner
When the playoffs started, the Oilers were weakest in the crease. Stuart Skinner limped into the playoffs with an .896 save percentage and a 2.81 goals-against average, which wasn’t good. He was deemed the better of the two options in Game 1 of Round 1, a sign of the Oilers’ overwhelming weakness in the lineup. That showed against Los Angeles, who put Skinner under pressure.
He seemed to clear his mind when he was given some time away from the crease due to Calvin Pickard’s success. Even the comical and heartbreaking ending of Game 3 saw Skinner look better. From then on, he looked much more impressive. Back-to-back shutouts against a team as dangerous as the Vegas Golden Knights is a sign of strength. Skinner bounced back in a big way.
Pickard
Pickard’s postseason has been the polar opposite. He watched the Oilers lose from the bench in the first two games. When he got the call for Game 3, he took the chance with both hands. Pickard responded with four straight wins to kill off the Kings. In Round 2, he won both starts in Vegas to put the Oilers on top. However, he was injured in Game 2 and hasn’t started since. He was key to the rejuvenation of the Oilers goaltending, but lost his spot due to injury.
It is unknown whether he has lost the starter’s job due to his injury. However, he excelled when he was playing. When Skinner struggled, Pickard picked up the slack. That is precisely what a team needs at this time of year. Twenty-three guys are all pulling on the same rope to help the team win. Players like Pickard cannot throw tantrums if they don’t play. They will get back in at some point. There will be another chance this season. He may get it in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals. It’s about patience until the time comes.
Overall
Between the two, they’ve been okay. Edmonton’s team save percentage is .886, which is pretty bad. According to Moneypuck, Pickard has a -0.15 goals saved above expected per 60 (GSAx/60). Skinner’s is slightly worse at -0.447. However, in a limited sample size, it isn’t the most accurate reflection of their play. We must wait and see how the Oilers’ season develops. If this team wants to go far, the Oilers goaltending needs to improve.
Whether it is Dallas or Winnipeg, the Oilers need their goalies in Round 3. That’s essential. They will not beat either team without good goaltending performances. If the Oilers want to retain their crown as the Best in the West, they need good goaltending. These two started shaky, but were excellent in the Golden Knights series. Edmonton is on the verge of history. They cannot achieve it without Pickard and Skinner.
Main Photo: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
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