NHL: Stanley Cup Final-Florida Panthers at Edmonton Oilers - Source: Imagn — 3 things Edmonton Oilers need to do to stave off yet another gutting Stanley Cup Final defeat in Game 6 - Source: Imagn

3 things Edmonton Oilers need to do to stave off yet another gutting Stanley Cup Final defeat in Game 6

Modified Jun 15, 2025 14:45 GMT

The Edmonton Oilers' Game 5 loss on Saturday night put them on the brink of elimination in the 2025 Stanley Cup Final.

Like last spring, the Oilers entered Game 6 looking to force a winner-take-all Game 7, hoping to fight one more day to claim their first championship since 1990. But doing so won’t be easy as the Florida Panthers have proven to be a formidable opponent.

The Oilers will need to play the best game of the series to force a Game 7. So, here’s a look at three things the Edmonton Oilers must do to avoid going home empty-handed for the second spring in a row.

3 things Edmonton Oilers need to do to stave off elimination in Game 6 of 2025 Stanley Cup Finals

#3 Stay focused

The Oilers will be counting on Mattias Janmark to play solid two-way hockey- Source: Imagn

The Edmonton Oilers cannot afford to let their guard down against the Panthers. The Cats took advantage of several instances in which the Oilers’ defensive miscues proved significant.

For instance, Mattias Ekholm’s turnover at the blue line, which led to Sam Bennett’s goal in Game 5, is a good example of how the Panthers can exploit every Edmonton mistake.

Similarly, Brad Marchand took advantage of miscommunication among the Oilers’ defenders, leading to his two-goal performance in Game 5.

The Oilers must stay focused throughout the game, ensuring the team plays as tightly as possible.

#2 Get more out of the bottom six

Connor McDavid could become a one-man wrecking crew in Game 6 for the Oilers - Source: Imagn

The Florida Panthers have done a good job of keeping Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl in check. While Draisaitl made the Cats pay in Game 4, McDavid had been goalless till Game 5, when he scored his first of the series.

The Edmonton Oilers’ bottom six, however, failed to deliver in Game 5. The fourth line, for example, had a dreadful game. The line was unable to deliver any sort of meaningful offense, getting burned on several occasions.

If Edmonton is able to stave off elimination, the bottom six will need to play a solid role, both offensively and defensively, to ensure the team has a fighting chance.

#1 Go back to Stuart Skinner

Stuart Skinner could be the Oilers' savior in Game 6 - Source: Imagn

In what might be the most controversial move of the series, the Edmonton Oilers must start Stuart Skinner in Game 4. Calvin Pickard, who saved Game 4, coming in relief of Skinner, was unable to backstop the Oilers to victory in Game 5.

While the goals Pickard surrendered in Game 5 stemmed from defensive miscues, the fact is that Pickard could not make one crucial save to keep this team in the game.

Both of Marchand’s goals were relatively soft. Pickard had a chance to stop both shots, but was completely fooled on both occasions. Of course, Marchand deserves credit for the goals. But Pickard should have stopped them.

That’s why going back to Skinner, the Edmonton Oilers’ official starting goaltender, makes sense as coach Kris Knoblauch needs to go with his best possible lineup.

That means if the Oilers lose Game 6, they will lose with their starting goalie in the crease, and not their backup.

About the author

Nestor is an NHL and MLB writer at Sportskeeda with over 10 years of experience. Growing up in Toronto, he became an avid Maple Leafs and Blue Jays fan, but also admires the New York Islanders and Los Angeles Dodgers for their dominance in the 80s. Holding an Economics and Education major, Nestor’s passion for writing and sporting events led him to take up reporting about the sport professionally.

Nestor credits the Leafs’ playoff runs in the early '90s as having a lasting impact on him. His favorite players are Doug Gilmour and Mike Bossy, as he feels they were tough, talented leaders, while Pat Burns is his favorite coach of all time for always preaching a fast-paced game.

Growing up in Canada, it was natural for Nestor to become interested in ice hockey and he played Minor Hockey as a teenager, which has given him a unique perspective on the sport. Nestor has mastered the art of how to best present facts and he also has a knack for knowing which sources can be trusted, and which can't for stories.

When he is not writing about Canada’s national passion, Nestor enjoys running and hiking.

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