Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner makes major confession in emotional interview
Photo credit: Imagn Images
The Edmonton Oilers completed a dominant 5 game series win over the Vegas Golden Knights, featuring a massive bounce back performance from Stuart Skinner.
After being pulled in Game 2 of the first round, there were serious doubts when Pickard's injury forced Skinner back into the net. He's shown that he's found his game again, but also admitted the nerves did get to him.
Stuart Skinner admits nerves got to him after bounce back performances in Game 4 and 5
In an emotional interview on the ice with Gene Principe, Skinner appeared entirely relieved to finally get his confidence back and lead the Oilers into the conference final.
To be honest actually, today was the least nerve wracking that I've been in the last 3 games, believe it or not. I had a feeling of peace tonight. My job's just to give the team a chance to win, I can't really do much else. Just trying to do my best.
It's hard, it's very difficult to say the least. It's definitely been a grind, a lot of work just to stay sane. I got so much thanks to my teammates for their support.
- Stuart Skinner
It's hard, it's very difficult to say the least. It's definitely been a grind, a lot of work just to stay sane. I got so much thanks to my teammates for their support.
- Stuart Skinner
Skinner appeared to entirely lose his confidence in the first three playoff games, and he admitted here that they were nerve wracking experiences for him. In those games, sprawling out of position in his net and allowing easy goals, he looked nervous.
Stuart Skinner bounces back with authority in Game 5
The last two games, and especially Game 5, looked entirely different from Skinner. He was calm, positionally stable and consistent in his crease, and wasn't overthinking things in the biggest moments - just stopping pucks.
Skinner has always been open and honest about the anxiety he deals with as an athlete, so it's just to see him overcome it once again and come through for his hometown team. The shutouts aren't going to continue, but just average play will be good enough.
Now, the Oilers may actually have a difficult decision for their next start. They have the undefeated Calvin Pickard, and Stuart Skinner bouncing back. Suddenly, goaltending doesn't look like such a weakness anymore.
| POLL | ||
MAI 15 | 778 ANSWERS Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner makes major confession in emotional interview Do you think the Oilers can win the cup with Skinner and Pickard? | ||
| Yes | 728 | 93.6 % |
| No | 50 | 6.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
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