HIGHLIGHTS
- Stuart Skinner returns to the crease for Edmonton’s do-or-die Game 6 against Florida
- The netminder was pulled in Games 3 and 4 after posting a .860 save percentage
- Read below for Knoblauch’s comments and why the Oilers are banking on their starter
The Edmonton Oilers are turning back to their guy.
Stuart Skinner will get the start in net for Tuesday’s do-or-die Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers. It’s a chance for redemption after a rocky series for the starting netminder.
Skinner’s had a brutal go against the Panthers. He got yanked in Games 3 and 4, which led to Calvin Pickard getting the nod for Game 5. But Pickard didn’t exactly make the decision harder – he got shelled for four goals on just 18 shots as Florida moved one win away from back-to-back championships.
Now, the crease belongs to Skinner again.
Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch admitted Sunday that it wouldn’t be an easy call. But he’s rolling the dice on the goalie who’s backstopped them all season.
“I think Stu is like our team, is very resilient,” Knoblauch told NHL.com. “They play their best when their backs are against the wall and we need great performances from there.”
The numbers haven’t been pretty. Skinner’s posted an .860 save percentage and a 4.20 goals-against average against Florida. He’s allowed 2.1 goals above expected, according to Evolving-Hockey. Those aren’t promising stats.
Yet there’s reason for hope. Skinner stood on his head in this exact situation last year, stopping 20 of 21 shots in Game 6 to force a Game 7 against these same Panthers. The Oilers are banking on that version of their netminder showing up Tuesday night.
With their season hanging by a thread, Edmonton needs Skinner to slam the door shut. The Panthers smell blood in the water. They’ve been picking apart whoever the Oilers throw between the pipes.
But the Oilers have pulled off miracle comebacks before. And Skinner’s been their guy all year – seven playoff wins with a 2.99 GAA overall.
Puck drops at 8 p.m. ET in Sunrise. The Panthers are one win away from the Cup. Skinner’s gotta prove he can stop the bleeding and give his team one more shot.
