Real Reason Behind Stuart Skinner's Recent Turnaround in Oilers Net Revealed
Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner has been producing better results lately after an inconsistent start, which may be because of better defensive play and the Oilers hiding Skinner's weakness.
Stuart Skinner was in contention for Team Canada after taking the Oilers to the cup final last season, but his save percentage dipping into the .870s was enough to cut the Edmonton goalie.
Lately though, things have begun to turn around, and Skinner's save percentage has risen to an .892. According to Matthew Panchyshyn, that's due to a major improvement in the Oilers defence.
Skinner has a .945 save percentage over his last 4 games, and during that span of games, the Oilers have allowed the lowest quality chances against in the NHL.
Edmonton Oilers turning around by sheltering goalie Stuart Skinner
Goaltending has been a soft spot for the Oilers organization for some time now, just searching for a league average goaltender to backstop the elite McDavid era team.
Stuart Skinner has been a league average goaltender through his career, posting a .907 save percentage and always over performing his low $2.6M salary.
However, earlier this season NHL goalie analyst Steve Valiquette revealed that Skinner ranked as the worst goalie in the league at lateral movement and making saves off the rush.
When Skinner's save percentage plummeted below the .900s, it looked like teams were exploiting that weakness. Now, it seems like the Oilers defensive play is sheltering it.
The Oilers have been a very underrated defensive team this year. While they are actively in the trade market looking for a defenceman, their group of depth players have stepped up, and Darnell Nurse is playing his best hockey in years.
Hopefully the Oilers are able to keep up this level of defence, and build some confidence for Stuart Skinner in the process of working on his weaknesses, as well as continuing to shelter him.
It may not be the answer Oilers fans wanted - it'd be better to hear Skinner has just improved - but better results are better results. Keep it up.
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