The Edmonton Oilers are on the ropes heading into Game 4 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final on Thursday night.
The Oilers’ complete implosion in Game 3 on Monday night laid the foundation for the Florida Panthers to steamroll them to a 2-1 series lead. But as both clubs head into the series’ most crucial matchup, the Oilers will need to rally and play their best game of the series.
The Florida Panthers have managed to shut down the Oilers’ best players in Games 2 and 3, leaving their depth to pick up the slack. While Game 2 was close, Game 3 was a no-contest. Edmonton could not get past the Panthers’ brick wall.
So, what does all of this mean for the Oilers?
The Oilers must start by staying out of the penalty box. Edmonton cannot expect to rack up another 85 penalty minutes and win the game.
Plus, the Oilers cannot expect to play a solid game while going 3-for-11 on the penalty kill. Their total lack of restraint was the biggest factor in the Oilers' Game 3 debacle.
The second issue to keep in mind is splitting up Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. The Panthers have done well to shut down McDavid or Draisaitl, but they won’t be able to shut down both playing separately.
Fans should expect to see Kris Knoblauch break up both of his stars early in the game before likely putting them back together if the game gets tight. It’s a known script but running both Draisaitl and McDavid together during crunch time is something the Panthers may not be able to counter effectively.
Questions surround Edmonton Oilers' starting netminder for Game 4
The Edmonton Oilers are embroiled in a goalie controversy after Stuart Skinner’s poor showing in Game 3. Skinner was pulled in the third period in favor of Calvin Pickard.
Given the way the series has played out, Knoblauch has the toughest decision of the entire season: Return with Skinner for Game 4 or roll the dice on Pickard.
Personally, that’s not a decision I would want to make. But if I had to, I’d roll the dice with Pickard. He was 6-0 in the postseason before getting hurt during the Vegas series. Skinner took over from there and played reasonably well.
But it seems the time has come for Skinner to take a step back and catch his breath. Going with Pickard allows the team to reset and recalibrate as the series’ most important game looms on the horizon.
The Oilers cannot afford another debacle like the one on Monday night. That’s why going with Pickard would be the biggest shake-up Kris Knoblauch could make without completely redesigning his lineup.