“He’s a good goalie,” Leon Draisaitl DEFENDS struggling teammate Stuart Skinner ahead of clash with Utah Hockey Club
Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl has defended his teammate Stuart Skinner from criticism following poor performances in the 2024-25 season.
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Leon Draisaitl (L) and Stuart Skinner (R) [Image via CTV News Edmonton/Edmonton Journal]
The 2024-25 season has been a mixed one so far for the Edmonton Oilers. The Canadian side are 11-9-2 for the season so far while having 11 losses. Six of them have come with Stuart Skinner in goal. Despite his struggling form, Leon Draisaitl has defended him.
Skinner’s form this season has been a major concern for the Oilers. This year he is 7-6-2 in his 15 starts and has conceded several goals. Following the defeat against the Minnesota Wild last week, coach Kris Knoblauch did admit that he was not playing at the level he did last year.
Ahead of their clash against the Utah Hockey Club, the German international was asked his thoughts regarding the form of Skinner. In the press conference, the forward defended him and claimed he was a good goalie.
Before that, the 29-year-old star admitted that they have not been at their best for him in front. He claimed that Skinner needs to drop some of the “baggage” and the talks from the outside.
Certainly, there’s been lots of games where we haven’t been at our best for him. And then, obviously, nobody looks good, especially on the stat side of things. I think, for him, it’s just about playing. He just needs to play and do what he does. (He) just (needs to) drop some of the baggage that comes with the pressure or the talk from the outside. He’s a good goalie, and he’s our guy.
Leon Draisaitl on Stuart Skinner
"It's always exciting. It's always good to see new facilities & new atmospheres, new crowds. I'm excited to go & see what it's all about."
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) November 28, 2024
Leon Draisaitl on the #Oilers making their first visit to Utah. @Enterprise | #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/Chxox8yhOM
This season, Skinner only has one shutout victory in 15 appearances. Apart from that, he has a high goals-against average (GAA) of 3.23. His save percentage of .882 in this season has been another issue for the team.
Leon Draisaitl reflects on Oilers’ mixed form in 2024-25 season
After an agonizing loss in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals, the Edmonton Oilers hoped to go one better this season. The season did not start well for them as they lost their first three games by big margins. The team did bounce back from this poor start later on. Leon Draisaitl would reflect on this as well.
Speaking on the performances so far, the forward claimed that the team has been doing fine. He further added that they were within striking distance of where they wanted to be.
We’re in a fine position. It’s not exactly where we want to be but we’re certainly within striking distance of where we want to be. It’s just a matter of stringing them together a little bit, finding a couple of win streaks that last a little longer than two games.
Leon Draisaitl said in the press conference
In the last 10 games, the Oilers have won five matches and lost five games. They did embark on a three-game winning streak before dropping the next two games on the bounce.
As for Draisaitl, he is the top scorer of the team with 30 points (16 goals and 14 assists). He has scored at least one goal in each of his last three games and will be hoping to extend this run as they start a three-game road trip.
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Vinay Dave
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