The Transformation of Stuart Skinner

Valentine‘s Day of 2022 to his Shutout Against the King

In 2022, Edmonton Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner’s NHL career had a significant moment as he achieved his first shutout against San Jose. However, he was sent back to Bakersfield after the game as he was only up from the minors because of Mikko Koskinen’s COVID protocol.

Fast forward 13½ months later, and Skinner accomplished his second shutout against the Los Angeles Kings in what was possibly the most significant game of his NHL career. In a goalie duel with Joonas Korpisalo, Skinner’s unflinching performance led the Oilers to their first team shutout in 81 games.

Despite setting a team record with 10 wins in a month, Skinner may still sit on the bench as Jack Campbell plays against Anaheim on Saturday. However, Oilers’ head coach Jay Woodcroft assured Skinner that they would not repeat last year’s mistake of sending him back to Bakersfield.

Woodcroft attributes Skinner’s success to his technique, size, calmness, and reliance on a solid foundation. The Oilers coach also said that Skinner’s communication skills contributed to their trust in him.

Skinner’s best moment came when he made a save on Adrian Kempe’s breakaway, mimicking Grant Fuhr. The Oilers’ victory caused the Kings to feel more bitter after their loss since their first-pairing D, Mikey Anderson, had an injury that had yet to receive a word from the Kings on its severity.

During the game, Edmonton’s Connor McDavid scored his fourth short-handed goal of the season, which was one less than league-leader J.T. Miller of the Vancouver Canucks. Evander Kane, who missed a total of 41 games this season, received eight hits but still scored the winning goal on Korpisalo.

The Oilers’ missed centre Ryan McLeod’s speed in traversing through the neutral zone. He had collided with Ottawa’s Erik Brannstrom on March 15, and he has not returned for eight games.

Brief Variations

Edmonton Oilers perform psychological farming inside the heads of the Los Angeles Kings Thursday as they achieve their first team shutout in 81 games.

Edmonton Oilers’ quest for first place in the Pacific Division suffers significant loss in their game with the Vegas Golden Knights, resulting in a 4-3 overtime loss.

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Credit: https://edmontonsun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/edmonton-oilers/matheson-oilers-goalie-stuart-skinner-stood-tall-against-kings

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