“Not playing the level he was last year,” Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch opens up about goaltender Stuart Skinner’s performances in 2024-25 season, fans react

Coach Kris Knoblauch admitted that Stuart Skinner is not playing at the level that he did last season following a 5-3 loss against Wild.

“Not playing the level he was last year,” Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch opens up about goaltender Stuart Skinner’s performances in 2024-25 season, fans react

Kris Knoblauch (L) and Stuart Skinner (R) [Image via Sportsnet/The Hockey News]

In the 2024-25 season, Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner has had mixed fortunes. The 26-year-old goalie has struggled for consistency this season. Following a 5-3 loss against the Minnesota Wild on Thursday night, coach Kris Knoblauch opened up about his performances.

The 46-year-old did not mince his words in the press conference and made his feelings known. He admitted that the goaltender was not playing at the level he was doing in the 2023-24 season.

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During that season, the Edmonton-born goaltender made 59 appearances while making 57 starts. He wrapped up the 2023-24 season with a 36-16-5 while having a save percentage of .905 and a goals against average of 2.62.

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Despite making 21 saves, Skinner conceded five goals on Thursday night. This defeat leaves him with a 6-6-2 record. The worrying thing for Knoblauch and his team is the high GAA of 3.33 of Skinner.

Speaking in the press conference after the game, Knoblauch claimed that last season the 26-year-old would bounce back immediately after dropping a game. This is something that Skinner has struggled to do this year.

Yeah, he’s not playing the level he was last year. Last year, you know, since I got here, I thought he was one of the top goaltenders and if he had a bad game, it was turned around the next night.

Kris Knoblauch said on Stuart Skinner’s performance in the post-game press conference
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Social media reacts to Oilers loss and Stuart Skinner’s performance

The Edmonton Oilers loss on Thursday night sparked some wild reactions on social media. The fans called out the team and Stuart Skinner for their performances in the 5-3 loss against the Minnesota Wild.

Stuart Skinner
Stuart Skinner (Image via The New York Times)

While reacting to the loss, many fans pointed out Skinner’s underwhelming showing in this game. Many of them urged that they “need a goalie asap.” Some of them expressed the disappointment with the team presentation especially after the start they had.

Check out that and some other reactions from X below:

Judging by the reactions of the fans, Skinner will have to raise his game if he wants to get them back on his side. On the other hand, Calvin Pickard, the second-choice goalie of the Oilers has a 4-3-0 record with a GAA of 2.44 in 8 appearances.

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As for the whole team, the Oilers are now 10-9-2 for the season. The five-time Stanley Cup champions will now welcome the New York Rangers on Saturday night before starting a three-game road series against the Utah Hockey Club, Colorado Avalanche and the Vegas Golden Knights.