Oilers Stuart Skinner answers criticism on recent play after facing Florida Panthers
Photo credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
It's been a tough stretch of games for the Edmonton Oilers as they have lost their fifth game in a row against the Florida Panthers, but Stuart Skinner feels that his game is solid as he spoke to the media after the 4-3 loss.
"Tonight's a really good game for us. I think the way that we just skated with our legs, we worked really hard tonight & I think that's a big step in the right direction."
During his postgame media scrum, Skinner said that he feels good about his game and that he is in the right headspace as many have questioned his goaltending in recent weeks due to unstable games and shaky play.
Skinner's numbers tell a different tale to how he feels
Skinner won his last game on February 4th against the St Louis Blues where he posted a save percentage of .909 and allowing only two goals against. The last three starts have been his and have been dismal at best as he has allowed 12 goals against, and his save percentage has been hovering between .839 and .889.
Some of this blame also can be pegged on the other members of the team including their defence as Evan Bouchard and other defensemen have not looked as good since the season has resumed after the Four Nations Faceoff.
Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch gave his take on the game and felt a similar sentiment on some players not putting in a full effort.
Oilers teammates frustration appears to reach boiling point
This five game losing streak has been testing the patience of Oilers teammates which has appeared to run out as Leon Draisaitl showed raw emotion and anger as he left the ice after the loss.
Many fans pointed out on the X platform that as he stormed off the ice, he kicked the door to the bench and glared right at Skinner to which Skinner waited for a few seconds and then resumed his walk.
This time of year is more crucial for any team as they attempt to lock down their playoff spot and position themselves as best they can to be ready for the playoffs. These losses are beginning to mount and the Oilers need to find a way to get back on track as the March trade deadline approaches next Friday.
If goaltending is an issue, General Manager Stan Bowman will have an opportunity to find a suitable player who can either work in tandem with Skinner or could replace Skinner depending on how he feels.
Based on how Bowman has answered questions, he feels lukewarm about the
idea of trading for a goaltender at this time.
idea of trading for a goaltender at this time.
| POLL | ||
7 HOURS AGO | 194 ANSWERS Oilers Stuart Skinner answers criticism on recent play after facing Florida Panthers Do you blame Stuart Skinner for the Oilers recent five game slide? | ||
MUST READ
TRENDING NOW
