2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs
The situation surrounding goaltender Stuart Skinner for the Edmonton Oilers could be described as a conundrum. Following the team`s 6-2 defeat to the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday, Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch replaced Skinner after the starting netminder allowed five goals from 28 shots. This performance came just two days after Skinner had conceded six goals on 30 shots in Game 1, including a critical knuckle puck goal by Phillip Danault in the final minute that thwarted the Oilers` attempt to tie the game.
On Thursday, Knoblauch addressed the media, characterizing the circumstances as “unfortunate” for Skinner. The coach pointed to the high volume of high-danger scoring opportunities the defense allowed, noting that Skinner faced precisely 21 such chances over the first two playoff games.
Despite the defensive challenges, Wednesday`s substitution marked the sixth time Skinner has been removed from a playoff start before the final horn over the past three post-seasons. This tally is double that of any other goaltender in the league during the same period. His brief replacement in the starting role during last year`s second round further contributes to the skepticism surrounding his playoff reliability.
Skinner`s struggles in the initial two losses to the Kings have now prompted a change in net for the Oilers. Knoblauch has opted to start backup goaltender Calvin Pickard for the pivotal Game 3 scheduled for Friday at Rogers Place.
Knoblauch indicated that a change at the goaltending position was something the team had anticipated might be necessary at some point during a deep playoff run. “We knew throughout the (playoffs), if we’re fortunate enough to play through June, that most likely we’re going to make a (goaltending) switch at some (point),” he told reporters.
Tristan Blackwood