Edmonton Oilers: Stuart Skinner’s Resurging Form Provides Boost to Goaltending Concerns
Stuart Skinner’s turnaround from a rocky start to Excellent Oilers’ playoff goaltender is a major boost to Edmonton’s post-season hopes.
Edmonton Journal, Edmonton Sun, 247sports.news
By [Your Name]
Tuesday, April 17, 2025
EDMONTON — It wasn’t how Stuart Skinner began the Edmonton Oilers’ season that mattered, but how he finished it. The young goaltender, initially struggling, closed out the campaign with back-to-back shutouts, creating optimism for Edmonton’s playoff run.
A Slow Start
Skinner’s post-season hopes began on shaky ground. After allowing five goals on 13 shots in the season opener against Winnipeg, he was replaced early. He continued to struggle, sporting an underwhelming 2-4-1 record in his first nine games. Edmonton found themselves in their traditional early October hole, but Skinner refused to let the early setbacks define his season.
"At the time, it sucks, but I’m trying to look at it as it was the best thing for me," Skinner said, grinning after Wednesday’s 18-save shutout in San Jose. "Rantanen (Mikko Rantanen) knocked some sense into me. It was a time for me to recover, take some time off, spend some time with the family and really heal my mind. It’s been a really good recovery. I probably feel more energized now than last year."
A Reset and Resurgence
Skinner returned to action on April 12 against Winnipeg, posting a 18-save shutout, and followed it up with another on Wednesday in San Jose. Over two games, he allowed just one goal on 36 shots, providing the Oilers with a much-needed boost of confidence in their playoff netminder.
"It gives me a little bit of a reset and a little bit of confidence going into the first round," Skinner said. "The last two games for me was shaking off the rust a little bit. I felt pretty good. I’m just going to keep trying to get better and get my game as dialled in as I can. It’s building off of this. I thought I played well, shook a little rust off and I’m ready to go for the first round."
The Battle Has Only Begun
With both Skinner and Calvin Pickard playing behind a stingy Oilers defense, Edmonton’s goaltending concerns appears to have abated. In their last nine games (excluding a 5-0 throwaway against Los Angeles), Edmonton has allowed just 18 goals, holding opponents to two goals or fewer six times.
"It’s really important, especially coming down the stretch here," Skinner said. "It’s impressive not giving up too many shots against. It says we’re keeping them on the outside. It’s blocking shots, guys getting in the lane and doing everything they can to make sure they don’t get a goal."
As the Oilers prepare for their first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Kings, Skinner’s resurgence provides a much-needed shot of confidence in Edmonton’s crease.
Evergreen Content:
EDMONTON — It wasn’t how Stuart Skinner began the season that mattered, but how he finished it. The young goaltender started poorly but ended the campaign with back-to-back shutouts, fueling Edmonton Oilers’ playoff hopes.
Engaging Headlines:
- Stuart Skinner’s Resurgence: Edmonton Oilers’ Playoff Boost
- From Struggle to Success: Stuart Skinner’s Playoff Push
- Stuart Skinner’s "reset" Gets Edmonton Oilers’ Goaltending on Track for Playoffs
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- Title: Stuart Skinner’s Resurgence: Edmonton Oilers’ Playoff Boost
- Meta Description: After a shaky start, Edmonton Oilers’ goaltender Stuart Skinner finished the season on a high note, posting back-to-back shutouts and boosting the team’s playoff prospects.
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Did you know? Stuart Skinner was born and raised in Edmonton, adding a personal touch to his impressive homecoming?
FAQ Section:
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Q: What happened to Stuart Skinner in March?
- A: Skinner sustained a concussion after being clipped by Mikko Rantanen’s knee on March 26. He missed two weeks before returning to action on April 12.
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Q: How many games has Stuart Skinner played this season?
- A: Skinner has played 15 games in the 2025-26 season.
- Q: What was Stuart Skinner’s record before his April shutouts?
- A: Before his back-to-back shutouts, Skinner had a 2-4-1 record.