Stuart Skinner’s Redemption: From Struggles to Star in Oilers’ Playoff Surge
Earlier this season, things weren’t looking great for Stuart Skinner. The Edmonton Oilers’ goalie was under heavy fire from fans and critics alike, especially after his save percentage dropped to .896 after 45 games. March was a particularly rough stretch, following a disappointing February. Even moments of promise, like wins over the Canadiens and Stars, were quickly overshadowed by losses—such as the stunning defeat to a slumping Buffalo Sabres team that hadn’t won in six straight.
FOR THE THIRD TIME IN FOUR YEARS, THE OILERS ARE ONTO THE WESTERN CONFERENCE FINAL ‼️ pic.twitter.com/w8YBlDtZjT
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 15, 2025
The frustration among Oilers fans was loud and unrelenting. Social media posts summed up the mood, with one fan sharply commenting, “The Sabres were on a 6-game losing streak… then they played Stuart Skinner’s Oilers.” For many, it seemed Skinner had lost the net and confidence.
Fast forward to the playoffs, and the story couldn’t be more different.
Skinner delivered a series-defining performance in Game 5 against the Vegas Golden Knights. His 24-save shutout helped Edmonton clinch a 1-0 overtime win and a spot in the Western Conference Final for the third time in four years. The same goalie who was once the scapegoat had become the hero.
Fans, who once doubted him, are now singing his praises. Social media erupted with support: “I never want to hear an unkind word ever uttered against Stuart Skinner,” one fan posted. Another said, “Back-to-back shutouts for Stuart Skinner. What a f—— turnaround.”
<strong>How It All Turned Around</strong>
In Game 4 of the series, Skinner had already begun shifting the narrative with a 23-save shutout—his first playoff win of the season and 20th of his NHL career. That game was a clinic by the entire Oilers roster. The offense was sharp, the defense dominant, and Skinner was locked in, silencing all doubts with calm, confident goaltending.
Despite losing his starting spot to Calvin Pickard earlier in the playoffs, Skinner never wavered. When asked about outside noise, he simply laughed it off: “What outside noise? I have no idea. No clue what’s going on.” He credited his comeback to staying committed to his process and trusting his game.
<strong>The Vegas Clash</strong>
Game 5 at T-Mobile Arena was a battle from start to finish. Edmonton came out strong, outshooting the Knights and pressuring Adin Hill throughout. Vegas, missing star Mark Stone and debuting Cole Schwindt in the playoffs, struggled to generate offense. Brett Howden missed a key chance, and Connor McDavid’s late-game magic was denied by Hill.
But in overtime, Kasperi Kapanen pounced on a loose puck in front of the crease and scored the game-winner at 7:14, sending Oilers fans into celebration. Skinner, once again, was at the heart of it all.
<strong>Looking Ahead</strong>
Now, Edmonton awaits the winner of the Dallas vs. Winnipeg series in the Western Conference Final. As the team eyes a potential run to the Stanley Cup, Stuart Skinner’s redemption arc is fueling hope in Oil Country.
From early-season struggles to back-to-back playoff shutouts, Skinner has not only silenced his critics but is writing his name into Oilers lore. His calm under pressure, resilient mindset, and clutch performances are turning him into the legend fans never saw coming—but now won’t stop cheering for.