Stuart Skinner Slides Back Between the Pipes for Oilers, Aiming to Extend Stanley Cup Lead
The Edmonton Oilers’ goaltending situation has seen a shift, and it’s a familiar face taking the reins. Stuart Skinner, the 26-year-old netminder, will be back in the crease for Game 3 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final against the Vegas Golden Knights at Rogers Place on Saturday night.
Skinner’s Fortitude in the Face of Adversity
Skinner’s return comes after Calvin Pickard’s remarkable six-game winning streak in the playoffs. However, Coach Kris Knoblauch has expressed confidence in both netminders, lauding Skinner’s experience and performance in high-pressure situations.
"We’re very fortunate that we have two goalies we have a lot of confidence in… Unfortunately, [Pickard]’s not available for us right now, but fortunately, we’ve got a great backup option – and when I say backup, he was our starter all year, and he’s ready to go."
Skinner himself is eager to step back into the crease, having had multiple opportunities to perform under intense playoff pressure before. Most notably, he shutdown 31 of 33 shots in Game 7 against the Florida Panthers during the 2024 Stanley Cup Final.
Skinner’s Staggering Statistics
In his final 15 games of the 2024 playoffs, Skinner demonstrated exceptional prowess with a .914 save percentage and a 2.05 goals-against average.
<ul[in key games last season, Skinner allowed two goals or less in 11 of his 15 playoff outings, including Edmonton’s triumphant Game 6 against the Dallas Stars in Round 3 and Game 7 against the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final.
Oilers’ Goaltending Advantage
The Oilers boast a distinct advantage with two competent goalies who have proven mettle in the clutch. With Skinner taking the reins, the Oilers aim to carry a commanding 3-0 series lead against the Vegas Golden Knights.
Oilers’ Game Plan and Rodrigues’ Role
Oilers coach Knoblauch keeps his cards close to his chest on whether Rodrigues will serve as backup or if another option may be considered.
Will Skinner Seize the Moment?
The attentive Rogers Place crowd will serve as a backdrop for Skinner’s return game. As he takes the ice, the Oilers, and their lively crowd, will be hoping that Skinner can replicate, or even surpass, his track record from last season and secure a crucial win to extend their lead in the Stanley Cup Final.