What Stuart Skinner is saying ahead of Game 3 start for Edmonton Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers will be starting Game 3 this evening versus the Vegas Golden Knights.
The shocking news came after today’s morning skate, as head coach Kris Knoblauch confirmed that Calvin Pickard is day-to-day with an undisclosed injury. As a result, Skinner will make his first start since a Game 2 loss to the LA Kings on April 23.
Though it was only two games, Skinner’s performance in the playoffs this year has been ugly, as he’s compiled a 6.11 GAA and a .815 SV%. That said, he’s had plenty of time to rest and reset, and appears confident heading into tonight’s massive game.
“It’s not the situation that we want to be in, but that’s playoffs,” Skinner said. “You need two goalies to go all the way. I’m excited to go back in the net. I’ve had some time to work on some things and I’m ready to go.”
This isn’t unfamiliar territory for Skinner, who was replaced by Pickard in last year’s playoffs versus the Vancouver Canucks before returning later on to help the Oilers close out the series.
“I’ve been here before, nothing is that new to me. It’s an opportunity for me to go in the net and do my job and give these guys a chance to win. That’s all I can do, go out there, play my game. The building is going to be loud. I’m really excited to go back in there.”
Though it has been a much longer break than Skinner – normally the Oilers’ starting goalie – is used to, he’s been using the time off to help work out some of the kinks in his game which played a role in his struggles versus the Kings.
“I’ve been getting a lot of work in with [goalie coach Dustin Schwartz], a lot of practice time. I feel really good. It wasn’t just like a couple practices and you’re right back in there. I’ve had some time to feel really good about my game.”
While the news has been a huge blow to the Oilers’ fan base, the players themselves seem to have full confidence that Skinner is going to be able to get the job done.
“I’ve said this before, we have confidence in both guys,” Evander Kane said. “Both guys have given us great performances all year long. Whoever is in the net, we have all the confidence in the world.”
By picking up wins in both games at T-Mobile Arena, the Oilers have an opportunity to take a strangehold lead on the series tonight. Whether Skinner is up to the task to allow for that to happen remains to be seen.
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