Yahoo Sports Oilers Goalie Is One Of The Best
Remember when the Edmonton Oilers had a serious goaltending problem?
That seems a long way off now. Stuart Skinner got off to a disastrous start, no question -- an .876 save percentage through his first 14 starts and a bottom-five GSAAx to match. But he's put that behind him, to the point where he's been one of the very best goalies in the league over the past six weeks.
The numbers speak for themselves. Among all starters since November 23rd, Skinner is tied for third in wins (10) and save percentage (.928), and fourth in Goals Saved Above Expected (11.22), allowing just 2.01 goals per game in those thirteen starts. His quasi-shutout of the Bruins on Tuesday clawed his season save percentage up to a respectable .902.
This is nothing new for Skinner. In fact, his 2024-25 looks a lot like his 2023-24. He started last season just as poorly, with an identical .876 save percentage through November 28th. His next two months were the best of his career: a 16-2-0 record and a .937 save percentage from November 29th through the All-Star break.
That stretch of course included the Oilers' 16-game win streak. Considering they're now 15-3-1 during Skinner's latest hot streak, it's clear that despite all their offensive firepower, the Oilers go as Stuart Skinner goes.
a big save from stuart skinner on one end, a big goal from connor mcdavid on the other. pic.twitter.com/oOKkEadOXl
— zach (@zjlaing) January 8, 2025
So what does this mean for the second half of the season? Skinner's first and second quarters could not have been more different, with the final result being a roughly average goalie. That's good enough with the Oilers' strong defence, and obviously, they become dominant when Skinner's hot, but there's still the possibility that he goes on another extended cold streak.
With Mackenzie Blackwood already traded to Colorado, it's largely a moot point as there aren't any great trade options left to help Skinner. The Oilers have made their bed with Skinner and Calvin Pickard in net, and it's working right now. They'll certainly take this version of Skinner and just have to hope that it sticks around.
All advanced stats courtesy of Natural Stat Trick.
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