Oilers Bench Stuart Skinner Again in Game 4 While Connor Hellebuyck Wins Historic Hart-Vezina Double

🏒 Oilers Bench Stuart Skinner Again After Rough Start in Game 4 of Stanley Cup Final

Stuart Skinner, the Edmonton Oilers’ goaltender, was pulled after the first period of Game 4 in the 2025 Stanley Cup Final following another shaky performance. The Florida Panthers netted three goals on 17 shots, including two power-play strikes from Matthew Tkachuk, forcing Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch to bring in backup Calvin Pickard.

Skinner’s early struggles continue a concerning trend, as this marks the second consecutive game he has been benched. Despite his impressive track record in Game 4s, he has now allowed nine goals in the first periods of the Stanley Cup Final.

🔁 Skinner’s First-Period Collapse: What Went Wrong?

• 3 goals allowed on 17 shots in just one period
• 2 power-play goals by Panthers’ Tkachuk
• Panthers took an early 3-0 lead

Despite this, the Oilers mounted a massive comeback, eventually winning 5-4 in overtime to tie the series at 2-2.

🔄 Skinner’s Game 3 Déjà Vu

Skinner was also benched in Game 3 after conceding five goals on 23 shots. He played just over 43 minutes before being replaced by Pickard, who managed to stop 7 of 8 shots. His .894 save percentage and 2.84 GAA prior to Game 4 had already raised eyebrows.

📊 Skinner’s Playoff Stats at a Glance

🎙️ Skinner: “I Don’t See Too Much Reason to Panic”

Before Game 4, Skinner remained confident:

“I don’t really see too much reason to panic quite yet. I’m good in these situations. I know how to bounce back.”

Despite his optimism, this marks a clear low in what was once an elite playoff run for the Oilers’ goaltender.

🧤 Why Knoblauch Initially Stuck with Skinner

Head coach Kris Knoblauch defended his decision to start Skinner again in Game 4, citing his strong second-half performances in playoff series:

“Here’s a guy that’s going to just continue to get better as this series goes on.”

Unfortunately, that confidence hasn’t translated into consistency during the Stanley Cup Final.

🏆 Connor Hellebuyck Makes NHL History with Hart-Vezina Sweep

While Skinner struggled, Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets made history by winning both the Hart Trophy and Vezina Trophy in the same season — a feat not accomplished since Carey Price in 2015.

🥇 Hellebuyck’s Award-Winning Season

• Hart Trophy (League MVP)
• Vezina Trophy (Best Goaltender)
• 47 wins (league leader)
• 2.00 GAA, .925 SV%
• 8 shutouts, 11-game point streak

He becomes only the fourth goalie since 1967–68 to earn both honors in the same season.

📹 Special Moment: Family Surprises Hellebuyck with Trophies

The NHL revealed both award wins during Game 4’s broadcast, showing footage of Hellebuyck’s family surprising him at home. An emotional Hellebuyck said:

“I’ll probably picture this day as one of the greatest of my career.”

🧾 Full 2024–25 NHL Awards Recap

🔍 FAQs

Q1. Why was Stuart Skinner pulled again in Game 4?
He allowed 3 goals in the first period, continuing his poor start in the Stanley Cup Final.

Q2. Who replaced Skinner in Game 4?
Calvin Pickard, who also came in during Game 3.

Q3. What did Connor Hellebuyck win?
He won both the Hart Trophy and Vezina Trophy, becoming the first goalie since 2015 to do so.

Q4. Who else won major NHL awards this year?
Kucherov, Barkov, Makar, Hutson, and Ovechkin were among the top winners.

Q5. Did Edmonton win Game 4?
Yes, they came back from a 3-0 deficit to win 5-4 in overtime, tying the series 2-2.

🧊 Conclusion: Goalie Storylines Define Game 4 Drama

Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final was a tale of two goaltenders — one benched and one celebrated. While Stuart Skinner’s early pull raised concerns for Edmonton, their comeback win was a testament to resilience. Meanwhile, Connor Hellebuyck’s historic double win cemented his legacy as one of the NHL’s elite. From on-ice chaos to off-ice honors, Game 4 delivered playoff drama at its finest.