The Edmonton Oilers will likely not have to play without their starting goalie for an extended period.
Stuart Skinner is being evaluated daily after exiting Wednesday`s game against the Dallas Stars in the third period. Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch informed reporters on Thursday that Skinner`s status is day-to-day. This announcement was made prior to their game against the Seattle Kraken.
Skinner sustained an injury late in Wednesday`s game when Dallas Stars winger Mikko Rantanen`s knee made contact with his head. While the collision appeared accidental, Skinner was removed from the game and replaced by backup goaltender Calvin Pickard.
Following the game, Coach Knoblauch told reporters that Skinner would not accompany the team on their travels. Pickard is scheduled to start in goal for the Oilers in their game against the Kraken.
This season, Skinner has played in 49 games, maintaining a goals-against average of 2.91 and a save percentage of .894.
Knoblauch also mentioned that Mattias Ekholm will be resting for Thursday`s game as a maintenance day in this back-to-back situation. Ty Emberson and John Klingberg are expected to rejoin the lineup.