Oilers’ tough lineup decisions must be made for 6 games, hockey writer – Edmonton Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers trailed the Florida Panthers’ 3-2 Game 6 in the 2025 Stanley Cup final. They will make some tough decisions to get to the next game as they try to save the season and avoid losing to the Panthers for a second straight campaign. Fortunately for the Oilers, they won five of the first six games in the face of the knockout stage and proved that their backs can perform well on the wall, but if they want a chance to drag the series back to Edmonton, they will need to get the best game in the playoffs.

Related: Ty Emberson of Oilers may be looking for the 2025-26 season outside

From the decisions that players can play with in the next game, let’s take a look at the next possible lineup that changes the next game.

Who gets the pipeline: Skinner vs Pickard

The biggest question to get into Game 6 is who got the network: Stuart Skinner or Calvin Pickard? They can both make a case, which will be a tough decision for the Oilers coaching decision. Skinner has proven time and time again that he can rebound after tough games, but despite his outstanding performance in Game 5, Picard’s playoff record is hard to ignore.

It’s hard not to give Skinner the sixth game. It’s hard to ignore his game in the second half of his playoff career as he seems to be better as the series progresses, but there’s always a risk to go back and forth between goalkeepers.

Arvidsson vs Skinner vs Kapanen: Who plays?

Which one will move forward next question? Viktor Arvidsson, Jeff Skinner and Kasperi Kapanen have been in and out throughout the season’s playoffs, one of which could be a healthy scratch in Game 6. Arvidsson’s last game Kapanen played well and played well but didn’t hit the score. Skinner has done well on both ends of the ice, but his lack of playoff experience may force head coach Kris Knoblauch to lean on two other aspects.

Another option might be to take out Trent Frederic, who has to deal with small injuries and may not be completely healthy, but his physical presence helps Zach Hyman sit in a news box wearing a wounded wrist. Oilers can also consider eliminating Evander Kane, who has been dealing with some of the fines in this series, but I’m willing to opt for that option.

It’s hard to predict what the Oilers coach is thinking, but if I have to guess, Arvidsson might come out for Kapanen, they’ll be a little shaken.

Blue Line Decision: Klinberg, Scheer, Emerson?

The Oilers chose to bring Troy Stecher to the roster, who performed well with the Nurse Darnell, which so far seemed like a smart decision. It’s hard to see them make any changes to the blue line, but they at least have to consider making another change, maybe John Klingberg or Ty Emberson saw some playing time in Game 6.

I suspect they will change their blue line too much, but this is another decision they have to sit down and consider. Mattias Ekholm still seems to be injured, Brett Kulak looks lost at times, and Jake Walman is haunted by the Panthers’ mind game throughout the series.

While the Oilers coaching team doesn’t want to panic into Game 6, they will have to spend time making the right decisions in trying to save the season. Their roster against the Panthers will be a key factor in whether they can drag the series back to Alberta.

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