It’s become tradition to blame the Edmonton Oilers‘ goalie. After another playoff run that ended with a large amount of ‘Western Conference Champion’ t-shirts and hats being sold instead of championship gear, Stuart Skinner finds himself squarely in the crosshairs. He’s been scrutinized, scapegoated, and blamed, and many fans want him gone.
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But the problem isn’t just Skinner. What if one of the biggest challenges he faces isn’t stopping pucks—it’s observing, watching, and reading the shoulders of his teammates?
Looking Hard at Skinner’s Teammates and Their Reactions
These are some of the best players in the world, top-tier talent, and cornerstones of the Oilers’ roster. What happens when these players slump their shoulders every time a goal is let in, or they skate away without a word? What message does that send to the now 26-year-old goaltender trying to hold down the most unforgiving position in hockey, and arguably in Edmonton?
Mandatory Credit: Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images
This isn’t just optics. It’s psychology. Confidence in goaltending is fragile, especially in a high-pressure Canadian market. And when the body language of star players conveys frustration or blame, in plain view, it becomes more than just a glance. It becomes a weight.
Skinner Is a Goalie Who Earned His Place
Skinner didn’t inherit his job—he earned it. Drafted and developed by the Oilers, he wasn’t supposed to be the #1 goalie. That job belonged to Jack Campbell, who signed a five-year deal to solve the team’s crease issues. But Campbell faltered, and Skinner stepped up.
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In his rookie season, he held the net, started in the playoffs, and gave the Oilers a fighting chance. He’s young. He’s local. He’s cost-controlled. Most importantly, the NHL All-Star is not why the team lost to the Florida Panthers in their second straight Cup Final appearance. Although blaming him might be the simple way to explain why an overabundance of ‘Western Conference Champion’ t-shirts and hats remain unsold throughout…
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