Stuart Skinner’s Future as Oilers’ Goalie in Doubt After Game 1 Loss

LOS ANGELES – Stuart Skinner‘s position as the starting goaltender for the Edmonton Oilers is being questioned following a disappointing performance in Game 1 of their playoff series against the Los Angeles Kings.

Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch did not commit to starting Skinner in Game 2, stating, “I haven’t decided.” This uncertainty comes after Skinner allowed six goals on 30 shots during the playoff opener, raising concerns about his playoff readiness in a season characterized by inconsistent play.

Skinner’s struggles were evident as he posted a .896 save percentage and allowed 4.25 more goals than the league average in all situations this season. Despite his strong performance earlier in the season and leading the Oilers to the Stanley Cup Final last year, many observers are questioning whether he can regain his form in the playoffs.

<p“Not at all,” Skinner responded when asked if he feels pressure about losing his starting role. He noted that playoff hockey is different from the regular season and emphasized the importance of moving on from past performances.

Coach Knoblauch assessed the goals Skinner conceded, noting that he could only fault him for one goal that deflected off Quinton Byfield. He acknowledged that there were mistakes made by the team that contributed to the scoring opportunities for the Kings.

<p“Those are freebies that are tough on him,” said Oilers captain Connor McDavid, emphasizing the need for better defensive play. McDavid stated that without strong saves from Skinner, the team’s chances of winning decrease significantly.

If Skinner’s performance does not improve, Knoblauch may consider turning to backup Calvin Pickard, who has had a strong finish to the season with 22 wins and a .900 save percentage. The Oilers organization is still confident in Skinner, according to McDavid, who expressed faith in Skinner’s ability to bounce back.

<p“Even if you let four, you probably don’t got a good chance of winning,” Skinner acknowledged. He explained the importance of limiting goals, especially in the high-stakes environment of playoff hockey.

As the series continues, the pressure will mount for Skinner to perform and prove himself as the Oilers’ top goaltender. Meanwhile, injuries and lineup decisions remain crucial for Edmonton’s strategy moving forward.

“We have lots of faith in him,” McDavid added. “We’ve won lots of games with him.” Skinner’s next performance could determine his future as the starting goalie for the Oilers in this season’s playoff run.