Oilers Goalie Stuart Skinner Leaves Game Shaken Up After Dirty Nikita Zadorov Play
Moments ago in tonight's Oilers game against the Boston Bruins, goalie Stuart Skinner was forced out of the game with injury after a collision with Nikita Zadorov.
Nikita Zadorov was trying to cut to the front of the net past Brett Kulak, and made direct contact with Stuart Skinner in the Oilers crease.
As Sportsnet analyst Louie DeBrusk pointed out, Zadorov made no effort to stop his full blown collision with Skinner in the crease.
Zadorov's shoulder clipped Stuart Skinner in the head directly, knocking off the helmet of the Oilers goaltender and sending him flying.
Skinner left the game momentarily to the Oilers locker room, while backup Calvin Pickard entered the game in relief.
Stuart Skinner Injured After Brutal Play From Bruins Defenceman Nikita Zadorov
As much as he has his critics, including us here at Oilers Daily, it would've been entirely devastating for the Edmonton Oilers if Stuart Skinner missed any time with injury.
Thankfully, Skinner was able to return for the second period. Hopefully it was just a precautionary measure to pull him and evaluate him for any other serious injury.
Earlier this season, Stuart Skinner's save percentage dipped down into the .870s - which is Jack Campbell territory. Now at 26 games this season, he's back up to an .898 currently - much closer to league average.
Hopefully the Oilers can get some payback for this run at their goaltender later in this game, especially against an old rival in Zadorov. Mostly though, it's great news that Skinner is able to return to play in this game and the future.
