Oilers’ Skinner Battles Past Heartbreak as Cup Final Continues

EDMONTON, Alberta — Stuart Skinner is ready for redemption in the 2024-25 NHL season. After struggling with the emotions of losing in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final last year, the Edmonton Oilers goaltender has embraced his past challenges. ‘Definitely. Internally, there was something buried. I stuffed it down,’ Skinner recalled, reflecting on the pain of watching his team fall to the Florida Panthers.

In last season’s finale, the Oilers fought back from a 3-0 series deficit, only to lose 2-1 in the decisive game. The loss not only crushed Skinner’s childhood dreams of lifting the Cup as an Oilers fan but also left him feeling he let Canada down, as no Canadian team has won the trophy since 1993.

‘All of Canada’s watching you. All of Canada’s disappointed in you,’ Skinner said. His struggles during the summer included hiding his feelings from his wife, Chloe, who eventually encouraged him to confront his emotions. ‘I got a lot of people in my corner where I’m able to ‘word vomit’ a bit,’ Skinner noted.

He also turned to journaling to help process his feelings. ‘I think that’s kind of my main goal through all this,’ he said. As the new season approached, Skinner watched Game 7 again to release his pent-up emotions. ‘Now, it’s in the past,’ he said. After a shaky start to the current postseason, including being benched, Skinner has stepped up, boasting a 7-1 record since Game 4 against the Vegas Golden Knights.

‘We get knocked down, we just keep on getting back up,’ Skinner remarked. His teammates emphasize his resilience and calm demeanor, pointing out how demanding the goalie position is, especially in Canada. Oilers GM Stan Bowman acknowledged, ‘It’s the toughest position in sports, with the attention that they get.’

As the Oilers lead the Stanley Cup Final series 1-0 against the Panthers, Skinner’s focus remains sharp. ‘Last year, it’s your first time doing it. I’m really grateful for that experience,’ he said, recalling how the pressure had overwhelming. ‘This year, I feel completely different.’

Following the Game 1 victory, Skinner expressed optimism for continuing success. ‘I definitely do have the best seat in the house,’ he said, embracing not just the thrill of victory but also his role in the team’s journey toward potential glory on the ice.