Oilers HC Says 'Not an Easy Decision' Picking Between Skinner, Pickard to Start SCF G6

The Edmonton Oilers are in a must-win scenario after dropping Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals, and the question of who will start in goal for the team still looms heading into Game 6.

Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch said the team is still deciding whether Stuart Skinner or Calvin Pickard will start between the pipes against the Florida Panthers on Tuesday.

"That's a conversation with the staff, obviously our goaltending coach Dustin Schwartz, but with all the assistants, general manager (Stan Bowman), to kind of weigh in with how everyone feels and what's best moving forward," he told reporters Sunday. "And it's not an easy decision. We've got two goalies that have shown that they can play extremely well, win hockey games. We feel that no matter who we choose, they can win the game."

Skinner started 50 games for the Oilers during the regular season, posting a .896 save percentage, and started the first four games of the Stanley Cup Final. He allowed three goals in Game 1, gave up five each in Games 2 and 3 and was pulled after allowing three goals in the first period of Game 4.

Even after Skinner's struggles in Game 3, Knoblauch didn't blame him for the loss.

"Stu maybe wasn't on his A-game, but our team wasn't on their A-game in front of him," Knoblauch said. "I don't think there's any bad goals, maybe an extra save. But it doesn't matter how well Stu played last night, it wouldn't have made any difference in the game, most likely. I'm not holding anything against Stu on that performance."

Pickard, who started 31 times during the regular season and had a .900 save percentage, came in for Skinner in Games 3 and 4, giving up a goal in each of those games. He started on Saturday and allowed four goals in a 5-2 loss.

Just as Knoblauch didn't criticize Skinner for his efforts, he defended Pickard after Game 5.

"From what I saw, I think Picks didn't have much chance on those goals," he said. "Breakaways, shots through screens, slot shots. There's nothing saying that it was a poor performance."

But no matter who the Oilers have in goal, Knoblauch is just hoping they get more support on the offensive end.

"Absolutely, (it'd help) when the pressure's not on them that they have to make every single save to keep this close or keep us ahead," he said. "It'd be nice to get some goal support."