Written by Graeme on Saturday, June 14th, 2025
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Game 4 was looking like more of the same from Game 3; the Florida Panthers were up 3-0 and cruishing. The Oilers just looked pathetic. They could barely string two passes together, and they weren’t creating any good scoring chances.
Then they pulled Skinner.
There’s something about the Oilers and how they play with Skinner in net, compared to when it’s Pickard. They seemed to have that sorted out in the last series, but it has went by the wayside again this series.
Pickard in net changed the game. The Oilers changed how they played. They scored. And again. And again. And again.
Then despite the crushing goal with 15 seconds left to force OT, they were still able to, with a little bit of fortune, get the OT win.
Game 5 is tonight in Edmonton.
Scott: What a game that was and what a series this has been. The Panthers jumped out to a 3-0 lead after the 1st and the Oilers pulled Skinner and went with Pickard at the start of the 2nd. They answered with 3 of their own to tie it and looked like a different team.
The Oilers scored first in the 3rd and the Panthers were able to tie it up with the goalie pulled and only 20 seconds left in the game. Draisaitl scored in overtime to win the game.
The series is now tied 2-2 and the Oilers regained home ice advantage. After they erased a 3 goal deficit and being back in Edmonton for game 5 I do expect the Oilers to have the obvious momentum here. But the Panthers aren’t going to be easy win. They know what it’s going to take.
Game 1 had 7 goals, game 2 had 9, game 3 had 7 and game 4 had 9. Instead of a winner I’ll go with the goals.
Over 6.5 including OT
Graeme: As someone who has harped on and on throughout these playoffs about the Oilers and momentum, I don’t think I have to write too much here.
Oilers win incl OT if Pickard in net
I mean – I don’t need to ad that caveat surely. SURELY they play Pickard right? Play him until he gets blown out. Not the time to get cute Knoblauch.
Pickard is confirmed for tonight. Not betting anything. I expect the Oilers win this. Florida will put on their best effort, knowing if they lose tonight they’re as good as golfing. Florida looked full of holes last game and don’t seem to have the physical endurance the Oilers supply.
Is it just me or did it really feel like the tide turned in Game 4 and Florida met a barrier they can’t get past.
I presume the Oilers have been carefully watching Florida for all signs and trends and will be shutting down Florida as well as skating through Florida defense. The Oilers are making brilliant and very precise passes and shots. Quality playmaking at high speed all over the ice, whereas the Panthers seem to leave that to scrambles in front of the net, similar to how Boston used to be when they had Marchand.