Why are the Oilers starting Calvin Pickard in Game 5 of the stanley Cup Final?

The Oilers are starting Calvin Pickard due to his strong performance in recent games, including a stellar relief appearance in Game 4 where he made 22 saves on 23 shots, helping the Oilers secure an overtime win.

How does Calvin Pickard's playoff performance compare to Stuart Skinner's?

Calvin pickard has a .896 save percentage in the playoffs, slightly better than Stuart Skinner's .891. Pickard also boasts a seven-game winning streak in decisions.

When was the last time a Stanley Cup-winning team used multiple goalies substantially?

The last Stanley Cup winner to have multiple goalies record decisions in the finals without an injury necessitating the change was the 1972 Boston Bruins. More recently, in 2017, the Pittsburgh Penguins split goalie duties between marc-Andre Fleury and matt Murray.

What is Calvin Pickard's experience in the NHL?

Calvin Pickard is a journeyman goalie with 10 years of NHL experience, having played for six different teams. he entered the playoffs as a backup but has stepped up when needed.

How many games did Stuart Skinner start compared to Calvin Pickard this season?

Stuart Skinner started 51 regular-season games and 14 playoff games, while Calvin Pickard started 30 regular-season games and 6 playoff games.

What factors led to the Oilers' decision to switch to Pickard?

Coach Kris Knoblauch cited Pickard's strong performance in Game 4 and the team's victory as key factors in the decision.He also acknowledged Skinner's crucial contributions earlier in the series.

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stanley cup final

News

NHL: Panthers Get New Rings, Continue Rat Tradition

by David Harrison – Chief Editor October 7, 2025

written by David Harrison – Chief Editor

Panthers Receive Stanley Cup Rings Featuring Diamond-Studded Rats, Celebrate Back-to-Back Championships

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – ⁣ The Florida Panthers were presented with their ‌championship rings in a‍ private ceremony at War Memorial auditorium on Sunday, commemorating their consecutive Stanley Cup⁢ victories in 2024 and 2025. The rings,⁤ crafted in white and yellow gold, prominently‌ feature an engraved rat ‌- a playful nod to the teamS devoted fanbase and ⁢their tradition of⁤ showering ‍the ice with ‍plastic rats after each home win.

The unique design reflects the Panthers’ recent success and the enthusiastic ⁤support of their fans. The⁤ team secured back-to-back Stanley ⁢Cup championships, defeating opponents in the 2024 and 2025 finals. The⁤ rings themselves boast over 450 diamonds and genuine rubies, totaling 16.15 carats of gemstones,‍ alongside diamond-encrusted palm trees representing the team’s Florida home.

Each ring includes⁤ two miniature Stanley Cup trophies, one for each championship year, and displays ⁤the player’s number, the year, and the inscription “BACK TO BACK CHAMPIONS.” The interior of the ring is engraved with the team’s motto:‌ “We Apologize To no One.”

The Panthers will raise their 2025 Stanley Cup championship banner ⁤on Tuesday, Oct. ⁤7, during their home opener against ‌the Chicago Blackhawks at Amerant Bank‌ Arena, possibly prompting⁢ another flurry ⁤of celebratory rats onto the ice.

October 7, 2025 0 comments

Sport

Gerard Gallant: Vegas Golden Knights Coach Moves to Kontinental Hockey League

by Alex Carter - Sports Editor July 18, 2025

written by Alex Carter - Sports Editor

gerard Gallant, First Vegas Golden Knights Coach, Heads to Russia’s KHL

Table of Contents

gerard Gallant, First Vegas Golden Knights Coach, Heads to Russia’s KHL
- evergreen Insights
- Frequently Asked Questions

By world Today News Staff

LAS VEGAS –

June 15, 2023

Gerard Gallant, the inaugural head coach for the Vegas Golden Knights, is embarking on a new international coaching venture. Gallant is reportedly set to become the newest coach in russia’s Kontinental hockey League (KHL), according to TSN’s hockey insider Pierre LeBrun. The specific team Gallant will lead remains undisclosed, with an official proclamation anticipated later this week.

A former NHL player, Gallant was appointed as the Golden Knights’ first head coach in 2017, following a three-season tenure with the Florida Panthers. In his debut season with Vegas,Gallant guided the team to an notable 51-24-7 record,culminating in a memorable trip to the 2018 Stanley Cup Final.

The subsequent season saw a less favorable outcome for the golden knights under gallant’s leadership. The team concluded the regular season with a 43-32-7 record and experienced a playoff exit in the first round after squandering a 3-1 series lead against the San Jose Sharks, ultimately losing in seven games.

Gallant’s third year at the helm was cut short when Vegas relieved him of his duties in January 2020, despite the team being in a playoff position at the time. He was succeeded by former Sharks head coach Pete DeBoer.

In 2021, Gallant took the reins as the head coach of the New York Rangers. During his two seasons with the Rangers, he compiled a record of 99-46-19 and led the team to two postseason appearances. Gallant and the Rangers mutually agreed to part ways following a first-round playoff elimination in 2023.

evergreen Insights

gerard Gallant’s coaching career spans over two decades, including important tenures in the NHL and AHL.His success in leading the expansion Vegas Golden Knights to the Stanley Cup Final in their inaugural season is a remarkable achievement in modern professional sports history. His subsequent role with the new York Rangers further solidified his reputation as a capable NHL bench boss. The move to the KHL signifies a continuation of his global coaching journey, offering a new challenge and outlook in one of the world’s premier hockey leagues outside the NHL.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Gerard Gallant?: Gerard Gallant is a Canadian professional ice hockey coach and former player, notably known as the first head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights and a former head coach of the New York Rangers.
What was gerard Gallant’s record with the Vegas Golden Knights?: In his first season, Gallant led the Golden Knights to a 51-24-7 record and the Stanley Cup Final. His overall record with the team was 90-52-11.
Why was Gerard Gallant fired by the Vegas golden Knights?

July 18, 2025 0 comments

Sport

Pickard Starts: Oilers Goalie Change for Stanley Cup Game 5

by Alex Carter - Sports Editor June 15, 2025

written by Alex Carter - Sports Editor

Oilers Turn to Calvin Pickard in Game 5: A Bold Stanley Cup Goalie Change

Table of Contents

Oilers Turn to Calvin Pickard in Game 5: A Bold Stanley Cup Goalie Change

In a pivotal move, the Edmonton Oilers will start Calvin Pickard in goal for Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers, set for 8 p.m. Saturday. This decision comes as the best-of-seven series is evenly poised at 2-2, marking a significant shift in strategy as the Oilers seek their first Stanley Cup since 1990. The Oilers are hoping that a change in net will give them the edge.

Pickard’s Path to the Starting Role

Pickard’s opportunity arises after he stepped in during the last two games, showcasing remarkable composure. In Game 4,he blocked 22 of 23 shots,including 17 consecutive saves,enabling the Oilers to mount a stunning three-goal comeback and secure an overtime victory.

Did You Know? pickard is the fourth goalie in NHL history to win at least seven straight playoff decisions after not beginning the postseason as the starter.

Pickard Starts: Oilers Goalie Change for Stanley Cup Game 5 — Calvin Pickard’s recent performance has earned him the starting role. (Image: placeholder)

A History of Stepping Up

This isn’t the first time Pickard has taken over the net. During the first-round series against the Kings, he replaced Skinner and recorded six consecutive wins. An injury briefly sidelined him, leading to Skinner’s return. Now, Pickard gets another chance to shine.

Pro Tip: A goalie change can inject new energy into a team, especially in a high-stakes series like the Stanley Cup final.

Skinner’s Season and the Goalie Stats

Throughout the regular season, Skinner played 51 games compared to pickard’s 30. In the playoffs,Skinner started 14 games,while Pickard started six. However, pickard’s .896 save percentage in the playoffs slightly edges out Skinner’s.891.

Goaltender Comparison
Goaltender	Regular Season Games Started	Playoff Games Started	Playoff Save Percentage
Stuart Skinner	51	14	.891
Calvin Pickard	30	6	.896

Coach Kris knoblauch emphasized the team’s confidence in both goalies. “We’ve got two good goaltenders. Stu has come in and played some realy big games, especially later in the series,” Knoblauch said. “but I think the deciding factor for us was we won the previous game and Picks made a lot of big saves.”

Past Context of Goalie Rotations

The last stanley Cup champion to significantly split goalie responsibilities was the 2017 Pittsburgh Penguins, with Marc-Andre Fleury recording nine wins and Matt Murray securing seven. Before that, the 1972 Boston Bruins also saw multiple goalies contribute to their championship run.

The X-Factor?

Pickard, a veteran of six teams over a decade, could be the unexpected catalyst the Oilers need to secure the two remaining wins. His experience and recent form make him a compelling choice as the series intensifies.According to ESPN, the Oilers are hoping Pickard can provide a spark.

Evergreen Insights: The Evolution of Goaltending Strategy

The decision to switch goalies mid-series, especially in the Stanley Cup Final, is a high-stakes gamble that reflects evolving strategies in professional hockey. historically, teams relied heavily on a single, dominant goalie throughout the playoffs. However, modern approaches recognize the value of having multiple reliable options and leveraging their strengths at opportune moments.

the increased emphasis on goalie analytics and performance data allows coaches to make more informed decisions about when to deploy each goalie. Factors such as save percentage, goals-against average, and recent performance trends play a crucial role in these strategic choices. Furthermore, the mental aspect of goaltending cannot be overlooked. A fresh viewpoint in net can sometimes provide a psychological boost to the entire team.

Frequently Asked Questions About Stanley Cup Goalie Changes

Why do teams sometimes change goalies during the Stanley Cup Playoffs?

Teams may change goalies due to performance issues, injuries, or strategic considerations.A struggling goalie can be replaced to provide a spark, while an injury necessitates a change. Coaches might also opt for a different goalie based on matchups or recent performance trends.

What are the risks of changing goalies in the Stanley Cup Final?

Changing goalies can disrupt team chemistry and confidence if not handled well. The new goalie faces immense pressure, and if thay falter, it can negatively impact the team’s morale. However, the potential reward of improved performance can outweigh these risks.

How common is it for a backup goalie to lead a team to the Stanley Cup?

It is relatively rare but not unprecedented. Backup goalies who step up and perform exceptionally well can become pivotal figures in a team’s Stanley Cup run. Their success often depends on seizing the opportunity and maintaining composure under pressure.

What qualities make a good backup goalie in the NHL?

A good backup goalie possesses mental toughness, strong fundamentals, and the ability to stay sharp despite limited playing time. They must be prepared to step in at any moment and perform at a high level, providing stability and confidence to the team.

What do you think of the Oilers’ decision? Will Pickard lead them to victory? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

June 15, 2025 0 comments