Oilers finally pull Stuart Skinner, with warning signs he may be done in Edmonton
Photo credit: Imagn Images
Stuart Skinner may be shipped off the Oilers this summer after a shocking display against the Kings in Game 2.
The Edmonton Oilers entered this year's playoffs with major question marks around the goaltending, and last night it boiled over when Skinner began responding to jeering Kings fans.
Skinner struggled with a few rough goals in Game 1 too, causing some thought that Pickard could get the next start. Now, the Oilers decision may be much more serious.
Stuart Skinner causes concern by responding to jeering fans in blowout loss
After allowing the 5th goal from Anze Kopitar, Stuart Skinner began visibly laughing at the jeers from the Kings crowd. When he made the next save and fans sarcastically cheered, he played into it.
It's got to be difficult to perform while hearing tens of thousands hope for you to fail, but as a professional athlete, Skinner has to drown out the noise and compete.
Smiling after allowing a few questionable goals while your team is losing a critical playoff game is a horrible look for Skinner.
Goaltending is such a mental position, and when their confidence goes, the team's entire chances are at risk. Earlier this season, Skinner had been honest that the outside criticism can be very tough on him.
Skinner is allowing the pressure to get to him, and can't be trusted in the net right now - especially on the road.
If outside noise is becoming a problem though, Skinner may not have what it takes to be a starting goalie on a cup contender.
Stuart Skinner failing to provide any major saves for Edmonton Oilers
All major stats for Skinner right now are completely underwater. Save percentage, goals against average, and Goals Saved Above expected all rank at the bottom of the league.
The Oilers insisted all season that there were no upgrades available on Stuart Skinner. Now in the playoffs with easily the worst goaltending in the NHL, the Oilers have made their bed.
This isn't to say that both losses have been entirely on Skinner. There's been brutal defensive breakdowns, and some forwards are failing to find their roles. However, with even average goaltending, this series would probably be tied.
Hopefully Skinner can rediscover his game, and Pickard can hold the fort if he's called upon in Game 3. Right now, the Oilers seem to have made a catastrophic mistake not to address their goaltending this season.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 24 | 899 ANSWERS Oilers finally pull Stuart Skinner, with warning signs he may be done in Edmonton Do you think Stuart Skinner responding to fans was inappropriate? | ||
| Yes | 583 | 64.8 % |
| No | 316 | 35.2 % |
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