Top Oilers insider shares major report on future of goalie Stuart Skinner
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The pressure is mounting on Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner, and now top analysts are calling on the team to move on from him as the number 1 goaltender.
At today's practice, Skinner shared a bizarre quote addressing his struggles so far this year. He's currently holding an .889 save percentage, and has only 4 wins in 11 games.
Edmonton Oilers analysts report on the future of goalie Stuart Skinner
In a new article with Sportsnet, Oilers analyst Mark Spector - previously an ardent defender of the goaltending - has finally relented that Skinner has lost the trust of the locker room, and they need an upgrade.
It's over in Edmonton for Skinner as the unchallenged No. 1. Finished.
He can be part of things, but Bowman needs to find a better netminder as Skinner's partner - full stop.
- Mark Spector
He can be part of things, but Bowman needs to find a better netminder as Skinner's partner - full stop.
- Mark Spector
The issue of Skinner as the Oilers number 1 goalie has been coming to a head for a while now. Last season he posted a subpar .896 save percentage and lost the starter's crease in the playoffs. This season, it's been worse so far.
Too many times, Skinner has allowed the weak goal that's deflated the skaters in front of him. The Oilers have tried to gun it with the cheap hometown goalie, but it's causing problems all throughout the team.
Coach Knoblauch's pause when asked about his thoughts on the goaltending was the most telling response. They've lost their belief in Skinned as their number 1.
While criticism is reaching a fever pitch with Skinner though, other Oilers insiders aren't so sure a move is necessary.
Insider Bob Stauffer claimed today that the Oilers will try to continue to stick it out with Stuart Skinner, believing he's their best option to take them to a Stanley Cup win.
They hired a new goaltending coach, I think they've got to see this through. That's what I'd say today. He's at an .889 save percentage, league average is below .900 this year. It's got to come up a bit.
- Bob Stauffer
- Bob Stauffer
At the end of the day, Bowman's decision should be dictated by the play on the ice. Stuart Skinner has not shown that he can be a reliable playoff goaltender, and if that continues without an upgrade past the trade deadline, the front office will have failed this team.
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