Anonymous coach and goalie speak the truth on Oilers starter Stuart Skinner
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Photo credit: USA Today Sports
Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner is still the starter of a Stanley Cup contender even though he can be inconsistent at times, and two anonymous NHL figures admitted just that.
Earlier this season, Stuart Skinner's save percentage dropped into the .870s, prompting serious discussion about the Oilers possibly needing a goaltender.
NHL Coach and former Goalie think Stuart Skinner can be Cup Winning goalie
The Athletic recently ranked every NHL team by goaltending, and surprisingly, the Oilers ranked in the top half at 13th place with Skinner as their starter.
An NHL coach expressed some reservations about Skinner's game, hinting that one more save in the Stanley Cup Final could've been the difference - but acknowledged that Skinner took the Oilers there at a young age.
»He took his team to within one goal of a Stanley Cup last year. If one goal goes the other way, that's a different team hoisting the Cup, with a 25-year-old goalie.»
- Anonymous NHL Coach
- Anonymous NHL Coach
An anonymous NHL goalie commended Skinner for his ability to bounce back when he does fall into an inconsistent rut. Especially in the playoffs, that short memory for a goalie is a real skill.
»I've been impressed by his resilience. I think there's an X-factor there that you can't quite quantify.»
- Anonymous NHL goalie
- Anonymous NHL goalie
Skinner probably never will be an all-star caliber goalie, but he does grade out to being a league average goalie over his career with a .908 save percentage.
His ability to bounce back from a tough goal and bring his best in the most important moments is recognized around the league as a real talent.
At only 26 years old, the Edmonton-born goalie has valuable experience taking his hometown team to the Stanley Cup final. He'll only get better with more time.
NHL figures' Vote of Confidence to Stuart Skinner should reassure Oilers fans
Still, these rankings and comments may come as a surprise because the Oilers currently rank as a bottom 10 team goals saved above expected. There's something behind the numbers these NHL figures are seeing.
Through his struggles, the Oilers should stand by and support Stuart Skinner. They've got a gem of a goalie and a person.
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 13 | 294 ANSWERS Anonymous coach and goalie speak the truth on Oilers starter Stuart Skinner Do you think Stuart Skinner can win a Stanley cup as a starting goalie? | ||
| Yes, absolutely | 235 | 79.9 % |
| No, need someone better | 59 | 20.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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