As we are just one evening away from the 2025 Stanley Cup Final, just who has the better goalies, the Edmonton Oilers or the Florida Panthers? Needless to say, one has been more steady, and one has been much hotter. So, just who gives their respective squad the edge in this final, best-of-seven showdown? Let’s figure it all out before puck drop in Game 1 on Wednesday Edmonton, Alberta.
Oilers versus Panthers, the Goalies Edition
We will start with giving Edmonton the edge, and that is merely because of recent play. It’s hard to deny the run that Stuart Skinner is on. If we take the timespan since May 12th, some of his numbers are astonishing. Overall, he has a .944 SV% and a GSAx of +4.75. Also, his slot SV% (.884) is a league best, just like his SV% has been over that stretch. In other words, he’s been nearly unbeatable. And the Oilers have been the beneficiaries.
After a very tough start, Stuart Skinner has found his game and posted the league’s best save percentage on shots off the rush & shots from the slot since May 12 pic.twitter.com/TTAcgMcnHT
— Meghan Chayka (@MeghanChayka) June 2, 2025
However, you must keep in mind he is susceptible to inconsistencies. That is perhaps one knock against Skinner. Luckily for the team from Northern Alberta, his backup, Calvin Pickard, is healthy once again and did play well when relied upon this postseason. So, even though Florida does have a competent backup in their own right in Spencer Knight, Pickard is definitely fresher. You’d have to give the Oilers the slight edge in this regard as well.
Let’s Not Forget Officer Bob, He’s Always On the Case
If we switch sides, and discuss Bobrovsky for a minute, his playoff numbers are no doubt impressive. That’s not to mention just how steady he’s been, not just these playoffs, but throughout his career. An amazing 12 seasons he’s made the playoffs. Moreover, what’s more amazing, is five times, that includes this one, he’s played at least ten games. Four of those five seasons, his save percentage was .911 or better. In fact, the only year it wasn’t that high, was last year, go figure. Maybe ‘team‘ defence is what wins championships, as in limiting shots and quality chances.
When you think about team perspective, these teams are very equal. Florida have played 17 games, while Edmonton is 16 these playoffs. In terms of 5v5 shots against, Edmonton has surrendered 331 and the Panthers have given up 318. Breaking it down further, Edmonton has given up slightly more high-danger shots at 27 to 25. Therefore, the teams are very close to one another. It really will come down to who has that little extra, Skinner or Bobrovksy?
Who Gets the Edge the Oilers or the Panthers Goalies?
One telling statistic from the regular campaign that shows just how close the two starters ultimately are, was high-danger save percentage above expected. From the regular season, both finished in the top-20 league wide, with Skinner getting a slight advantage over Bobrovsky (0.124 and 0.122). This likely also speaks to similarities on how each team is responsible in allowing high danger opportunities and dealing with the rebounds effectively.
Both teams have many strong defenders, such as Mattias Ekholm, Jake Walman, Aaron Ekblad, Gustav Forsling, this series is loaded with defensive dominance. It will be fun for everyone, and if recent history is any indication, the goalies will be tough to beat. However, it seems that it is time. WE must give our selection for who is better than the other. Thus far, we have explored many different angles. Given his youthfulness, and Bobrovsky played so much hockey over the past few seasons, not to mention how hot he has been, we side with Skinner for the battle of the tenders. In any case, given how close the teams are, it won’t be a huge differentiator, but any little advantage is expanded ten-fold this time of year.
Main Photo Credit: Jerome Miron – Imagn Images
