The Edmonton Oilers will proceed on their road trip through California without their primary goaltender.
Coach Kris Knoblauch informed reporters on Thursday that Stuart Skinner will not accompany the team and has not started skating again as he recuperates from a concussion.
The injury occurred on March 26th against the Dallas Stars when Stars forward Mikko Rantanen`s knee inadvertently struck Skinner`s head. Calvin Pickard replaced Skinner in that game, and Skinner was subsequently listed as day-to-day.
“He is progressing well,” Knoblauch stated. “He hasn`t skated yet, but his recovery is going smoothly, and we anticipate him starting workouts and returning to the ice soon.”
In Skinner`s absence, Pickard has assumed the starting role, with rookie Olivier Rodrigue serving as the backup goalie.
This season, Skinner has participated in 49 games, recording a goals-against average of 2.91 and a save percentage of .894.
Knoblauch also mentioned that defenseman Mattias Ekholm, who is also injured, will not participate in this road trip. Ekholm has been sidelined since March 29th with an undisclosed injury. However, Sportsnet`s Mark Spector reported on Saturday that Ekholm is expected to recover before the playoffs.
The Oilers are scheduled to play against the Sharks in San Jose at 10:30 PM ET / 7:30 PM PT.
Tristan Blackwood