Edmonton Oilers Turn to Stuart Skinner in Must-Win Game 6 Against Florida Panthers to Keep Stanley Cup Hopes Alive

The Edmonton Oilers have arrived at a defining moment in their season, and once again, they’re turning to goaltender Stuart Skinner to help them stave off elimination. With Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final set for Tuesday night at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida, the Oilers are clinging to the hope of extending the series and keeping their dream of hoisting the Cup alive.

After a resounding response in Game 5, where the Oilers emphatically defeated the Florida Panthers 5-3 in front of a roaring crowd at Rogers Place, the team has regained a measure of confidence. But their margin for error remains razor-thin. One more loss ends everything—the dream, the run, and the season. And it’s in that pressure-packed setting that Skinner will be back in goal, expected to deliver under the brightest and most unforgiving of spotlights.

Stuart Skinner, the 25-year-old Edmonton native, has experienced a rollercoaster postseason. He’s had his fair share of doubters and critics, especially following earlier series where his performance appeared shaky. But in recent games, Skinner has shown a resurgence that has restored belief among teammates and fans alike. His composure in net and ability to make critical saves when the Oilers most needed them have made a difference in this series.

It’s no secret that the Florida Panthers, seeking their first Stanley Cup in franchise history, have been a relentless and physically imposing opponent. Led by playoff warriors like Matthew Tkachuk, Aleksander Barkov, and Sam Reinhart, the Panthers have brought their A-game since puck drop in Game 1. They’ve been aggressive on the forecheck, suffocating on the penalty kill, and opportunistic in front of the net.

For the Oilers, the challenge has always been clear—match Florida’s intensity, win special teams battles, and get quality goaltending. With the series now at 3-2 in favor of the Panthers, Edmonton has no choice but to put everything on the line in Game 6. It’s do or die. And Stuart Skinner is being trusted with the responsibility of backstopping their survival.

“Stu has earned this,” said Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch on Monday following the team’s practice. “He’s shown he can rebound, that he can rise to the occasion. We believe in him. The team believes in him.”

Belief may be one thing, but Skinner knows that what truly matters is performance. He doesn’t need to be spectacular—he needs to be solid. With the likes of Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Zach Hyman up front, Edmonton is rarely short on firepower. But they cannot win a championship if they’re constantly playing catch-up or being outscored in key moments.

Skinner’s journey to this point has been one of patience, perseverance, and growth. Drafted by the Oilers in the third round of the 2017 NHL Draft, he’s steadily climbed the ranks, eventually claiming the starting role during the regular season. While he’s had tough stretches during the playoffs, his mental toughness has become a defining trait of his postseason narrative.

And now, with Game 6 looming, Skinner’s poise could very well be the tipping point in a series that has seesawed in tone and intensity. The Oilers must silence a Florida crowd that’s aching to see its team raise the Cup on home ice. Skinner will need to weather early storms, control rebounds, and maintain sharp positioning against a Panthers squad that thrives on net-front chaos.

But perhaps just as important will be the energy in front of Skinner. The Oilers’ blue line—anchored by veterans like Mattias Ekholm and Darnell Nurse—must be tight and disciplined. Edmonton cannot afford costly turnovers or sloppy clearing attempts. Every puck battle, every blocked shot, every stick in the lane will count.

On the offensive end, Edmonton must keep pressuring Florida’s Sergei Bobrovsky, who has shown flashes of brilliance but also signs of fatigue. The Oilers cracked Bobrovsky’s armor in Game 5 with high-danger chances and efficient zone entries. If McDavid continues playing at the level he showcased in Edmonton, and if the supporting cast like Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Evan Bouchard remains productive, the Oilers can force a Game 7.

Yet everything starts from the back, and that means Skinner must stand tall.

“It’s a massive opportunity,” Skinner said following morning skate. “Obviously there’s pressure, but I love it. I’ve dreamed of these moments since I was a kid. I’m just focused on doing my part to help the team win.”

In a series that has already given fans moments of brilliance, heartbreak, and unpredictability, Tuesday night’s Game 6 promises to be another chapter filled with emotion and intensity. The stakes could not be higher. A win means a return to Edmonton for the ultimate showdown—a Game 7 for the Stanley Cup. A loss, and the journey ends with bitter disappointment.

For the Oilers, who haven’t captured hockey’s greatest prize since 1990, the weight of expectation is enormous. The fanbase has endured years of rebuilding and heartbreak, but this season has felt different. From the team’s midseason turnaround to their gritty playoff wins, the Oilers have displayed character and chemistry that suggests they’re built for more than just a good run—they’re built for glory.

But for now, it comes down to one night, one game, and one goalie.

Skinner doesn’t need to be a legend—he just needs to give the Oilers a chance.

If he can, then maybe, just maybe, Edmonton will get to play one more time in front of its faithful. Maybe they’ll get their Game 7. Maybe they’ll write the kind of story that lasts forever.

Or maybe, it all ends in Florida.

Whatever happens Tuesday night, Stuart Skinner will be at the heart of it. A hometown goaltender with a city’s hopes on his shoulders, standing tall in the biggest game of his life.