Stuart Skinner has gutsy response to poor performances in playoffs
Throughout this season, Stuart Skinner has proven himself to be a high end starting goalie in the NHL. However, he's yet to really get the job done in the playoffs, and last night he was the subject of some criticism by Oiler fans.
Skinner allowed 5 goals against on just 26 shots last night in the Oilers loss, dropping his playoff save percentage to a brutal .857. When asked about his game last night, Skinner said that he thought he was okay, and feels good about his game right now.
»It was okay. I didn't really do too much, I don't think I was a big factor in the game tonight. And that's okay, I'm gonna get better from that and move on. The takeaway for tonight is wash it out. I know who I am. I know my game, and I'm going to get back to work.»
-Stuart Skinner
-Stuart Skinner
Skinner struggled at times in last year's playoffs as well, but clearly, he's trying to put that out of his mind and focus solely on the upcoming games that he can control. Skinner is choosing to stay confident and relaxed about his game, not trying to appease fans by owning up for some bad goals. It's the exact mentality an NHL goalie needs to have at all times, especially in moments where their performance has dipped. If a goalie doesn't maintain the utmost confidence in themselves, they can lose the mental half playing goalie - and end up like Jack Campbell.
This morning, Oilers fans have been torn between doubting their sophomore goaltender in an important playoff run for this team, while others have been staying strong and supporting Skinner despite the tough start.
After seeing his comments from last night, Oilers fans have to rally around their homegrown goaltender, and see him realize his full potential in the playoffs. It's not like the Oilers would start backup Calvin Pickard, either. Everyone has seen Skinner be an X-Factor in the regular season, and it's just a matter of time before that version of himself shows up big time in the playoffs.
| POLL | ||
Do you believe Skinner can be a good playoff goalie? | ||
| Yes, he's been great all year, he can dial in | 281 | 55.3 % |
| No, skeptical until I see it | 195 | 38.4 % |
| See Results | 32 | 6.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
MUST READ
