Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner gets personal on intense fan pressure in new interview
Photo credit: USA Today Sports
Edmonton Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner opened up about the intense pressure of the playoffs after he was pulled from the starter's crease for 6 games.
Skinner had to take back the crease after Pickard suffered an injury, and has been lights out ever since. The pressure is now directly on Skinner, with Pickard not backing him up in Dallas.
Stuart Skinner opens up on intense fan pressure of playoffs and Oilers fans
The Oilers goaltender admitted that his tenure in Edmonton has been full of ups and downs, and the downs can be difficult to deal with. Still, he welcomes the pressure and the opportunity to achieve a lifelong dream of winning the Cup in his hometown.
I grew up here, so I was that fan expecting great things when the Oilers made the playoffs. I'm sure I've gotten slaughtered out there a couple times, probably more than I'd like. But I've also gotten a lot of love too.
I love the battle, the compete, the fight. I think that's why a lot of us really enjoy the playoffs. Just being able to fight for something you've wanted your whole life that you've dreamed of.
It's the same answer for what stresses me out, it's the exact same thing - you're stressed out because you don't want to lose the thing you've always wanted your whole life.
- Stuart Skinner
I love the battle, the compete, the fight. I think that's why a lot of us really enjoy the playoffs. Just being able to fight for something you've wanted your whole life that you've dreamed of.
It's the same answer for what stresses me out, it's the exact same thing - you're stressed out because you don't want to lose the thing you've always wanted your whole life.
- Stuart Skinner
Pressure of Canadian markets has been a hot topic in the NHL lately after Matthew Tkachuk said he pities players on Canadian teams for playing with fan pressure.
Skinner didn't exactly shut down the narrative of pressure, but rather embraced it on both sides. Yes, he'll face criticism if he fails his job, but the Oilers will be forever adored if they bring the Stanley Cup back to Edmonton.
As a hometown kid, Skinner feels the pressure a little extra because he's a lifelong Oiler fan too. The stakes are ultra-high for him to realize a childhood dream this season, and in a Canadian market. Leon Draisaitl also defended the pressure of Canadian teams, welcoming the attention of the NHL.
The only path forward is exactly what Skinner is doing: accept the pressure head on and do everything you can to be at your best in the biggest moments.
Skinner's been hot with two straight shutouts, and will be looking to continue the streak in a series setting Game 1 vs the Dallas Stars tonight.
| POLL | ||
MAI 21 | 722 ANSWERS Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner gets personal on intense fan pressure in new interview Do you think Stuart Skinner will return to the Oilers next year? | ||
| Yes | 367 | 50.8 % |
| No | 355 | 49.2 % |
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