The Edmonton Oilers are facing a do-or-die Game 6 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final, trailing the Florida Panthers 3-2. The most significant question heading into Tuesday's pivotal matchup remains the Oilers' starting goaltender.

Oilers Goalie Decision:

Head coach Kris Knoblauch has kept his decision tightly under wraps, not committing to either Stuart Skinner or Calvin Pickard.

• Stuart Skinner: Was the primary starter but has been inconsistent. He was pulled in Game 3 after allowing five goals and again in Game 4 after giving up three in the first period. His playoff record is 7-6 with a 2.99 GAA and .891 SV%. However, he has a history of bouncing back, including a 9-1 record in Games 5-7 during past postseasons.
• Calvin Pickard: Stepped in admirably when Skinner struggled, going 7-0 before Game 5. He relieved Skinner in Game 3 and led the Oilers to a comeback victory in Game 4. However, he allowed four goals on 18 shots in Game 5, his first loss of the postseason (7-1 record, 2.85 GAA, .886 SV%).

Many analysts and former goalies, like Martin Biron, believe the Oilers will go back to Skinner, hoping his rest and resilience will pay off in this must-win scenario.

Game 6 Preview:

The Panthers, leading 3-2, are looking to clinch their second consecutive Stanley Cup on home ice at Amerant Bank Arena. They demonstrated their dominance in Game 5 with a convincing 5-2 victory, fueled by Brad Marchand's two goals.

For the Oilers, the preview revolves around desperation. Their star players, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, were held in check in Game 5, a trend that cannot continue if they hope to force a Game 7. They need to find a way to get past Sergei Bobrovsky, who has been stellar with a .912 playoff save percentage. The Oilers' power play, usually a strength, needs to be much more effective, and they must stay out of the penalty box, given their high penalty minutes in the series. The Panthers' forecheck has been highly disruptive, making clean breakouts a challenge for Edmonton. Game 6 promises to be an intense, high-stakes battle.

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The Edmonton Oilers have no margin for error after their Game 5 loss at home to the Florida Panthers. Do they have what it takes to win two in a row and capture their first Stanley Cup since 1990?

Nick Zararis of Locked On Oilers joins us to discuss what the Oilers need to do to turn the tables on the Panthers and send the series back to Edmonton for a decisive Game 7.

The Florida Panthers are one win away from winning back-to-back Stanley Cups.

Armando Velez of Locked On Florida Panthers joins us to discuss how the Panthers shut down the high powered Oilers attack in Game 5 adn what it will take to win one more game.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have a new head coach in Dan Muse and a new direction and identity.

Hunter Hodies of Locked On Penguins joins us to discuss what this will mean for the team, who could be on the trading block this offseason and how the team will rebuild around Sidney Crosby.

All this and more on today's Locked On NHL Podcast with Gil Martin.

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Brad Marchand has been absolutely crucial for the Florida Panthers in the 2025 postseason, especially in the Stanley Cup Final. He was a trade deadline acquisition from the Boston Bruins and has proven to be an incredible pickup.

Here's why he's been so important:

• Clutch Scoring: Marchand has a knack for big goals. He scored the double-overtime winner in Game 2 of the Final and opened the scoring in the pivotal Game 3. He now has six goals in the Stanley Cup Final, making him the first player since Esa Tikkanen in 1988 to achieve this feat. He's also the first player in NHL history to score 5+ goals in a single Stanley Cup Final with two different teams (previously with the Bruins in 2011).
• Offensive Production: Through 22 playoff games, Marchand has tallied 20 points (10 goals, 10 assists), nearing his career high for postseason points. This consistent production provides a vital offensive spark for the Panthers.
• Experience and Leadership: As a veteran playing in his fourth Stanley Cup Final and having won one previously with the Bruins, Marchand brings invaluable experience and leadership to the Panthers' locker room. He's a "hard-nosed" player who leads by example.
• Two-Way Impact: Beyond his scoring, Marchand is known for his tenacious two-way play, penalty killing, and ability to get under opponents' skin. His all-around game makes him a nightmare for opposing teams to deal with.

Can he win the Conn Smythe Award?

Yes, Brad Marchand is a legitimate contender for the Conn Smythe Trophy. His incredible performance in the Stanley Cup Final has significantly boosted his odds. While Sam Bennett (with a remarkable 14 goals this postseason) and Sergei Bobrovsky (stellar goaltending) are also strong candidates from the Panthers, Marchand's timely scoring, particularly in the Final, has made a compelling case. If the Panthers close out the series, Marchand's historical goal-scoring in the Final would certainly put him in serious consideration for the playoff MVP.

FanDuel
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FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)