Oilers Coach Knoblauch openly admits Stuart Skinner's biggest problem
Photo credit: USA Today Sports
Stuart Skinner has struggled through long stretches of this season, and Coach Knoblauch got completely honest about his starter's level of play today.
The Oilers decided to roll back with Skinner in the starter's crease today, despite Calvin Pickard's great performance leading some fans to wonder if he earned another opportunity.
Oilers coach Knoblauch gets frank with Stuart Skinner's inconsistency
Speaking to the media today, Coach Knoblauch simply admitted that Stuart Skinner hasn't been at his best for most of this season.
I've seen him play better. I still think it's been very solid. I think with the type of chances we've been giving up and the quality, it's tough for any goalie play at his best when as a team you're playing like that.
Especially goaltending, you want predictability. You want consistency. There's going to be breakdowns where you have to make a save that's not planned . I think our team defence can get better, but I also think he's not happy with his game.
- Coach Knoblauch
Especially goaltending, you want predictability. You want consistency. There's going to be breakdowns where you have to make a save that's not planned . I think our team defence can get better, but I also think he's not happy with his game.
- Coach Knoblauch
It's interesting to see the coach pointing to some potential distractions like Team Canada and trade deadline, two major events that may have been on Skinner's mind.
Coach Knoblauch highlights Skinner's big issue of inconsistency
However, consistency is the big issue with Stuart Skinner - and it's significant to see Knoblauch single that out. Oilers fans have seen Skinner be a solid starter, but for long stretches he seems to lose his game.
Skinner's inconsistency this season is a problem that could potentially cost the team a playoff series. The Oilers could've rolled with Pickard in net today, but going back to Skinner shows the internal importance of building up their starter's confidence, and to avoid these inconsistent stretches.
Hopefully today's game against the New York Rangers is the beginning of a turnaround for Skinner, and the Oilers can begin to correct themselves in the final stretch of the regular season.
| POLL | ||
MARS 16 | 630 ANSWERS Oilers Coach Knoblauch openly admits Stuart Skinner's biggest problem Do you think Skinner's inconsistency is a big problem in net? | ||
| Yes, can't be trusted | 488 | 77.5 % |
| No, he's good when it matters | 142 | 22.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
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