Stuart Skinner proving doubters wrong with recent play
Photo credit: Heavy hockey
The Edmonton Oilers are coming off an epic 4-3 comeback victory against the Colorado Avalanche, and Stuart Skinner is slowly starting to prove doubter wrong. After a shaky first period, Skinner was instrumental in the 2nd and 3rd period.
Earlier this season, goaltender analyst Steve Valiquette exposed Stuart Skinner's biggest weakness, stating his lateral movement was the worst in the NHL.
Since the 2022/2023 season Stu has faced 81 East/West chances off the rush. 38 Goals Against. Rank 118 out of 118 goalies that qualify.
-Steve Valiquette
-Steve Valiquette
Now, it appears that Stuart Skinner has addressed these issues, as he's showing true sings of a Stanley Cup calibre goaltender.
According to Liam McCormick of Oilers Daily, It's unclear yet if Skinner's addressed the poor lateral movement, or perhaps found a more stable positional adjustment that can allow him to compensate for his speed. Regardless, he clearly saw an area to improve, and worked towards getting better results.
After a very rough start to the season where Skinner's save percentage dipped into Jack Campbell territory of the .870s, Skinner's steadily built back his save percentage to a decent .902. The Oilers are a strong enough team offensively and defensively that they can survive with average goaltending from Stuart Skinner.
He just needs to keep those inconsistent stretches at bay, and keep working towards the goal of winning the cup for his hometown team.
-Oilers Daily
He just needs to keep those inconsistent stretches at bay, and keep working towards the goal of winning the cup for his hometown team.
-Oilers Daily
Now, the Edmonton Oilers are in a dead-lock tie for 1st place in the Pacific Division, and they have goaltender Stuart Skinner to thank for it.
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 17 | 449 ANSWERS Stuart Skinner proving doubters wrong with recent play Do you think Stuart Skinner is a Stanley Cup calibre goaltender? | ||
| Yes | 302 | 67.3 % |
| No | 147 | 32.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
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