Stuart Skinner turning the page on his time with Oilers, Kulak reveals story behind number change
Photo credit: Pittsburgh Penguins
The Edmonton Oilers will face off against Stuart Skinner and Brett Kulak in tonight's game, an emotional rematch just a few days after the massive trade.
For all players involved in the trade, it's all business and time to move on. Even for Stuart Skinner, the hometown Oilers goalie for years, is clearly ready for the fresh start.
Stuart Skinner ready for fresh start in Pittsburgh before rematch vs. Oilers
Speaking to the media before today's start against the Oilers, Skinner briefly recounted his time in Edmonton - but was more ready for the fresh start in front of him in Pittsburgh.
It's a continuation, just with a different group and with a New Jersey on. Which is extremely exciting, and I think that's the part that gives you a reset.
In Edmonton, I don't know if you guys know, but there's been rumours going on for the last 5 years. Not that it really caught me by surprise. Just woke to a call by Stan, he was just telling me there's a trade going on, and be ready for a call from Pittsburgh.
There was a lot of noise, obviously, and noise is around goalies. I don't know if it's fair or not fair, but it's part of the business. It's a trade that needed to be done, and I think it's good for both teams. I care more about where my work is and being able to be on a new team, and this exciting moment. So I'm not thinking if it's fair or not, it's part of my life, and I get to own that.
- Stuart Skinner
In Edmonton, I don't know if you guys know, but there's been rumours going on for the last 5 years. Not that it really caught me by surprise. Just woke to a call by Stan, he was just telling me there's a trade going on, and be ready for a call from Pittsburgh.
There was a lot of noise, obviously, and noise is around goalies. I don't know if it's fair or not fair, but it's part of the business. It's a trade that needed to be done, and I think it's good for both teams. I care more about where my work is and being able to be on a new team, and this exciting moment. So I'm not thinking if it's fair or not, it's part of my life, and I get to own that.
- Stuart Skinner
Brett Kulak was also speaking about the opportunity for a fresh start in Pittsburgh, and the benefit of jointing a new team with an old teammate.
But Kulak also brought something new to Pittsburgh with him. He's changed his jersey number to #77, and asked former Oiler and Penguin Paul Coffey for permission to do so. It looks to be a cool little nod to his former Oilers defence coach.
Tonight will be a major game for the players involved, and will be a must-watch for fans. The Penguins are reeling after multiple blown 3rd-period leads, while Leon Draisaitl is also one point away from 1000 on his career. The theatre of tonight's game is already incredible - now we'll see how it pans out.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 16 | 600 ANSWERS Stuart Skinner turning the page on his time with Oilers, Kulak reveals story behind number change Do you think the Oilers will score 5 goals or more tonight? | ||
| Yes | 421 | 70.2 % |
| No | 179 | 29.8 % |
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