Stuart Skinner has emotional post-game message, met Oilers for final goodbye
Photo credit: Pittsburgh Penguins
Stuart Skinner had to face off against the only team he's ever played for last night, and it didn't exactly go well for him - it was an emotional night all around.
Leon Draisaitl scored his 1000th career NHL point early in the game, which launched an Oilers celebration just a few feet away from their former teammate. It was clearly an awkward moment for Skinner, and a difficult night overall.
Stuart Skinner has emotional postgame comments, met with Oilers in locker room
Speaking to the media after the game, Skinner admitted he was out of sorts emotionally while facing his former team.
For the first period, the first 5 minutes, I had to settle my game in and calm my mind down. As the game went on I thought I did a better and better job at that. Obviously not the way I want to start, I think I definitely could've helped these guys out on a few goals.
Bittersweet. I was [Draisaitl's] teammate for a long time, and whenever anybody gets 1,000 points, you're going to congratulate them. But I would've rather it not be on me.
- Stuart Skinner
Bittersweet. I was [Draisaitl's] teammate for a long time, and whenever anybody gets 1,000 points, you're going to congratulate them. But I would've rather it not be on me.
- Stuart Skinner
Skinner also said he wanted to meet up with the Oilers locker room in his comments, something that most of the Oilers said when interviewed too.
And the former teammates did meet up for one last goodbye captured on video in the hallways of PPG Paints Arena.
McDavid and Draisaitl embraced Skinner and Kulak in the hallways, still wearing a shirt celebrating Draisaitl's 1000th point. Coach Knoblauch watched, clearly emotional at the scene.
For all players involved, it was an emotional game playing their former teammates so soon after the trade. This chance to say goodbye is a meaningful moment for all of them as people, and for players ready to turn the page.
Now the Oilers will move on with their sights set on another deep playoff run this season, with Tristan Jarry as their starting goalie.
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DECEMBRE 17 | 785 ANSWERS Stuart Skinner has emotional post-game message, met Oilers for final goodbye Do you think the Oilers will be better off without Stuart Skinner? | ||
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