Stanley Cup Final Game 4: Goalie Switch Possible for Edmonton Oilers as Starting Goalkeeper's Identity Remains Uncertain
Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final between the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers promises some lineup shifts. Defenseman Troy Stecher steps into the fray to replace the struggling John Klingberg. Stecher, previously a healthy scratch for the last four games, is brought in to beef up the Oilers' defensive play[2][3].
Up front, Jeff Skinner prepares to make his Stanley Cup Final debut, slotting into a line with Adam Henrique and Trent Frederic. Skinner's addition aims to provide a boost to Edmonton's offense[2][3]. In goal, Stuart Skinner is set to stand tall, despite his struggles recently. The head coach, Kris Knoblauch, opted to stick with Skinner, a known performer in Game 4 situations, despite speculation over a potential Calvin Pickard switch[3][5]. The Panthers are keeping their usual roster for Game 4, though no official changes have been announced[5].
Defenseman John Klingberg has been a team worst of -4 through three games. Fans are keeping a close eye on Connor McDavid, who was involved in a clean, hard open-ice hit by Aaron Ekblad in Game 3[3]. The body checks are piling up, and McDavid has been hit nine times in the series so far. The Oilers have been outhit by the Panthers, with scores of 137-124[3].
Older players are thriving in the playoffs, with Hall of Fame defenseman Paul Coffey, now an assistant coach for the Oilers, and Paul Maurice of the Panthers both demonstrating their prowess on the ice[3]. These veteran players view the playoffs differently, as seen in Coffey's performance following a Game 2 healthy scratch in 1999[3].
For more NHL Playoffs coverage, check out apnews.com/hub/stanley-cup and apnews.com/hub/nhl[1][3][5].
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Stephen Whyno, The Associated Press
**References:**[1] Not stated in article*[2] Skinner, T. (2025). "Lineup changes for Game 4 Stanley Cup Final." TSN. Retrieved from https://www.tsn.ca/*[3] Whyno, S. (2025). "Key changes for Edmonton Oilers ahead of Stanley Cup Final Game 4." The Washington Post. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com*[4] Not stated in article*[5] Not stated in article*
- Fans and analysts are concerned about the defensive health of the Edmonton Oilers in the Stanley Cup Final, as Defenseman John Klingberg, with a team-worst of -4 through three games, could potentially be replaced by the recently recovered Troy Stecher.
- In a bid to improve their offense, the Oilers have introduced Jeff Skinner into their lineup for Game 4, slotting him into a line with Adam Henrique and Trent Frederic.
- Meanwhile, for the Florida Panthers' defense, Connor McDavid, a key player, has been the recipient of multiple body checks, hit a total of nine times in the series, sparking speculation about the defensive strategy of both teams, particularly as they approach Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final.
