EDMONTON — As the Edmonton Oilers prepare to face the Florida Panthers in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final on Saturday at Rogers Place, fans can expect a shift in dynamics, particularly between the goalies. The previous games featured an amusing moment where Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner and Panthers backup Vitek Vanecek engaged in a staring match from opposite sides of the red line during warmups. However, with Calvin Pickard taking the starting position for the Oilers, that playful rivalry likely won’t be a repeating theme.
Following a rough start in Game 4, where Skinner conceded three goals on 17 shots, Pickard stepped in and played a critical role in leading the Oilers to a 5-4 overtime win, tying the series at 2-2. Pickard managed to save 22 out of 23 shots during his relief appearance, earning him the starting position for Game 5.
Discussing his game-day routine, Pickard stated, “I don’t have much routine there… I’ll probably be facing our end.” He added that he had no expectations of a staring contest with Vanecek again, noting that his previous attempt to engage Vanecek was merely a light-hearted moment intended to focus on his teammate Skinner.
Vanecek, who has played no games in the playoffs as Sergei Bobrovsky has been the primary goalie, maintained that his warmup routine is simply for preparation, asserting, “No, I’m just doing my routine.” Although he admitted the staring was new for this playoff series, he expressed admiration for Pickard’s performance under pressure. Vanecek remarked on the challenges of replacing a starting goalie mid-game, highlighting Pickard’s experience and success in that pivotal moment.
Ultimately, this matchup not only showcases the goalies’ reactions but also emphasizes the depth of skill and competitive spirit within both teams as they vie for the championship title. As the Oilers look to build on their momentum from Game 4, fans can anticipate a thrilling contest ahead, further igniting hopes for an exciting finish to this championship series.