As the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers prepare to clash in the 2025 Stanley Cup Final, much of the focus will be on the superstar skaters on both sides. But make no mistake, goaltending could very well be the deciding factor in this series. Both teams enter the Final with different paths between the pipes, and understanding how they got here adds context to who may hold the advantage.
For the Oilers, the playoffs started with questions in goal. Stuart Skinner, who had been their primary starter all season, stumbled out of the gate. His performances in Games 1 and 2 against the Los Angeles Kings were shaky, allowing soft goals and showing signs of postseason nerves. In response, the Oilers turned to backup Calvin Pickard, a move that turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
Pickard stepped in and went on a remarkable run, winning six straight games and helping Edmonton eliminate both the Kings and the Vancouver Canucks. Though his overall save percentage sits at .888 and his GAA at 2.84, those numbers don’t fully reflect the composure and steadiness he brought when the team needed it most. Unfortunately, Pickard was injured in Game 2 of the Western Conference Final against the Vegas Golden Knights, forcing the Oilers to return to Skinner.
Since regaining the crease, Skinner has looked far more composed. In 10 starts this postseason, he’s posted a .904 save percentage, a 2.53 goals-against average, and three shutouts, two of which came in elimination games. His quality start percentage sits at .500, and aside from a couple of “blips,” Skinner has been quietly reliable. Pickard, now healthy, will serve as the backup heading into the Final.
Across the ice, the Florida Panthers have had no goaltending drama. Sergei Bobrovsky has been their workhorse, playing every single minute of the postseason. The 36-year-old veteran has been outstanding, posting a .912 save percentage, a 2.11 GAA, and three shutouts in 17 games. His quality start percentage of .588 and a Goals Saved Above Average (GSAA) of +4.9 show that he’s not just holding the fort, he’s actively winning games.
Bobrovsky’s calm, technical style and playoff experience make him the clear-cut advantage heading into this series. While Skinner is capable of stealing games when he’s locked in, he’s also more prone to inconsistencies. That said, Edmonton’s tandem has proven they can win even when their goaltending isn’t elite.
Edge: Florida Panthers
The Panthers have the more stable and statistically superior netminder in Bobrovsky. But if Skinner continues trending upward and the Oilers' offense catches fire, the gap could narrow quickly.