Stuart Skinner has struggled over the past few games, and it didn't get any better on Thursday. The Oilers' goaltender allowed three goals in the first period of Game 4 in the Stanley Cup Final, allowing the Panthers to take an early 3-0 lead. Edmonton entered the game already down 2-1 in the series and coming off a blowout lo s where they allowed six Florida goals. While Game 4 is not nece sarily a must-win matchup, the Oilers would have to face the daunting task of coming back from a 3-1 lead with a lo s on Thursday. Therefore, head coach Kris Knoblauch acted quickly in trying to change the momentum in Game 4. Here's what happened. Why the Oilers benched Stuart Skinner in Game 4 vs. Panthers The Oilers benched Stuart Skinner after the goalie allowed three goals in the first period of Game 4 vs. the Panthers. Skinner faced 17 shots in the first 20 minutes, saving 14 but allowing three to get into the net. Two of those goals were scored by Matthew Tkachuk, Geraldo Perdomo Jersey while Anton Lundell added the third for good measure. MATTHEW TKACHUK OPENS THE SCORING IN GAME 4! : & : or stream on Sportsnet+ NHL (@NHL) MATTHEW TKACHUK IS INEVITABLE! Were already on hatty watch for him and its only the first period! : & : or stream on Sportsnet+ NHL (@NHL) Anton Lundell gives the a three-goal lead after the first! 3 : & : or stream on Sportsnet+ NHL (@NHL) This was on the heels of Games 2 and 3 in which Skinner allowed five goals each. While he faced over 40 shots in the Oilers' 5-4 double-overtime lo s in Game 2, Skinner allowed five goals on just 23 shots in Game 3 for a save percentage below 80 percent. Skinner was replaced by Calvin Pickard, who is undefeated in six starts so far this postseason. MORE: 'Game 4 Skinner' meme, explained Entering Thursday's Game 4, the Oilers stuck with Skinner in part due to his succe s in Game 4s. Skinner was 6-0 with a save percentage of 95.5 percent in Game 4s before Thursday night, which includes in the 2024 Stanley Cup Final when he allowed just one goal while facing elimination, as the Oilers beat the Panthers 8-1. Scott Mcgough Jersey