“Things are happening and I don’t have a lot of control over it” - Stuart Skinner opens about backlash

The Edmonton Oilers just proved why they’re a force to be reckoned with, taking down the New York Rangers in a commanding 3-1 victory at Madison Square Garden. Leon Draisaitl extended his incredible point streak to 18 games with another assist, while Connor McDavid continued his own streak, now sitting at 11 games. But amid all the celebrations, one storyline refuses to fade; Stuart Skinner’s performance under the spotlight.


The goaltending debate is nothing new for Oilers fans, and lately, it’s been all about Skinner. Despite the swirling criticism, he delivered when it mattered most, standing tall with 21 saves against the Rangers. While Edmonton keeps stacking wins, Stuart Skinner’s play remains under constant examination, with fans and analysts dissecting every goal conceded.
The backlash has only intensified, and Stuart Skinner himself is well aware of it. In a candid video posted by the Oilers, he addressed the noise, admitting that things haven’t gone exactly as he’d hoped. “Yeah, I think just how I want to show up even though that things aren’t maybe going as well as I’d like.” Skinner remarked. He knows the ups and downs of the game are inevitable, adding, “things are happening and I don’t have a lot of control over it.” Instead of dwelling on frustrations, he’s focusing on his effort and response to adversity.

While Skinner’s mindset remains resilient, the numbers tell a different tale. His save percentage has dipped to .896 over 45 games far from the lockdown presence the Oilers were banking on. His performance has fluctuated throughout the season, showing moments of brilliance followed by struggles that put his reliability into question. March has been a mixed bag with five wins and three losses, but February was downright brutal, with Edmonton dropping six of eight games.

Things reached a boiling point after a particularly painful loss to the Buffalo Sabres. The Sabres had not won a game since February 2025, enduring a six-game losing streak—until they faced Edmonton. The Oilers’ inability to capitalize on 34 shots against Buffalo’s Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen left fans frustrated, and Skinner took the brunt of the criticism.
Social media didn’t hold back, with one fan summing up the disappointment: “The Sabres were on a 6-game losing streak… then they played Stuart Skinner’s Oilers.” Ouch. While Coach Kris Knoblauch defended the team’s effort, pointing out their dominance in possession and chances, the reality remains: results matter.
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Skinner is no stranger to pressure, but as the Oilers push for playoff positioning, the question looms, can he silence the critics when it matters most? With every game carrying significant weight in the standings, the margin for error is razor-thin. If Skinner hopes to solidify his role as Edmonton’s go-to netminder, he’ll need to rise to the occasion and deliver when the stakes are highest.
The upcoming stretch will be the ultimate test, with tough matchups ahead and little room for slip-ups. A strong response could shift the narrative in his favor, but if the struggles continue, Edmonton may be forced to explore other options between the pipes.