Stuart Skinner addresses weak preseason start, Oilers analyst warns roster move is coming
Photo credit: Edmonton Oilers Raw
Stuart Skinner reminded Oilers fans that a goalie upgrade is needed with a disappointing preseason debut, but the net-minder is looking to bounce back quickly.
In his first preseason game this year against the Seattle Kraken last night, Stuart Skinner allowed 3 goals on 18 shots for an .833 save percentage. He allowed two noticeably weak goals which have worried fans about the Oilers goaltending heading into a must win season.
Stuart Skinner admits two weak goals against in preseason debut, looking to bounce back
Speaking to the media after the game, Skinner said he felt much better physically on the ice after some weight loss this offseason, but still didn't feel happy with his game. In particular, he admitted he needed to stop the 2nd and 3rd goals against.
I mean, goals are going to go in. Some are going to be bad, some are going to be good. As a goalie, you just got to be able to bounce back off of those.
I feel way lighter out there, like my movements are a lot sharper, a lot easier on my knees. I feel like I'm landing better on my knees and feel strong out there, so.
I feel fast, and obviously didn't feel amazing out there today. I believe I can certainly stop the second and third goal. But yeah, I feel good.
- Stuart Skinner
I feel way lighter out there, like my movements are a lot sharper, a lot easier on my knees. I feel like I'm landing better on my knees and feel strong out there, so.
I feel fast, and obviously didn't feel amazing out there today. I believe I can certainly stop the second and third goal. But yeah, I feel good.
- Stuart Skinner
Unfortunately, the Oilers can't afford to find out if Stuart Skinner can hold up in the playoffs once again if he continues to post results like this through the regular season. In a must win year, the goaltending has to be better than league average - a benchmark Skinner failed to clear last year.
Analyst Allan Mitchell pointed out the simple fact that the Oilers' team save percentage is in the bottom quarter of the NHL, which will absolutely require an upgrade from Bowman in trade.
The Oilers five-on-five save percentage last season (.903) ranked No. 23 overall. Stuart Skinner's .901 save percentage ranked No. 50 among the top 62 goalies in minutes played last season. Calvin Pickard (.908) was No. 34. Cam Talbot was .925 last season, finishing No. 9 overall. I remain on team Skinner, but Bowman will need to find a co-starter or better by the deadline. Pretty sure.
- Allan Mitchell
- Allan Mitchell
Although it's just one game of preseason, the Oilers goaltending immediately brought up familiar problems. It's the biggest position of weakness on Edmonton's roster, and needs to be upgraded in an all out pursuit of the Stanley Cup.
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