Craig Button says Stuart Skinner’s Game 3 showing puts Oilers in tough goaltending dilemma ahead of must-win Game 4

NHL analyst Craig Button opined that Stuart Skinner's performance in Game 3, a 6-1 blowout loss to the Florida Panthers, has placed the Edmonton Oilers in a challenging goaltending dilemma ahead of a must-win Game 4.

Skinner's time between the pipes has been inconsistent, with flashes of brilliance overshadowed by underwhelming playoff performances. In the Western Conference Finals against the Dallas Stars, Skinner allowed only 10 goals, but against the Panthers, the 26-year-old has conceded 13 goals so far in the series.

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On Sportscentre with Jay Onrait, Button addressed the possibility of coach Kris Knoblauch turning to backup netminder Calvin Pickard for Game 4.

"Well, here’s the issue right now, Jay. You have a game where you were not very good if you were Stuart Skinner. To fall behind 3-1 to the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final, I think that makes Kris Knoblauch think a lot," Button said."

"This is the first goal of the game. There are times as a goaltender, you just have to throw form out the window... Stuart Skinner gave up his form. The first goal is just sloppy goaltending. The second goal, quite frankly, you’ve got to be better than that," Button continued.

Button noted that no player on the Oilers performed well in Game 3. He raised the question of whether the goaltender, regardless of who is in the net, can succeed if the team plays poorly in front of them.

However, Button acknowledged that Stuart Skinner had played well in the games leading up to the final, but his outing in Game 3 was poor from the goalie. Skinner was pulled after allowing five goals on 23 shots.

Stuart Skinner on his performance in Game 3

Stuart Skinner shared his thoughts about his performance in Game 3, noting that he takes accountability for allowing open shot goals.

"As a goalie, you've got to come up with a save. It doesn't matter. It's a game of inches. “I don't like letting open shots in, so I take accountability on those,” he said via NHL."

Skinner will aim to bounce back in a must-win Game 4 at Amerant Bank Arena on Thursday, with the Florida Panthers currently leading the series 2-1.

Also Read: 3 least impressive Edmonton Oilers players from 5-1 blowout loss in Game of SCF to Florida Panthers ft. Stuart Skinner

About the author

Abhishek is an NHL writer at Sportskeeda with over 2 years of sports reporting experience and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Delhi. He became a fan of ice hockey after watching NHL fight videos on YouTube, which led to him professionally writing about the sport and his continued interest in all things hockey.

A fan of the Boston Bruins, Abhishek considers their incredible comeback win against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2013 playoffs as the most iconic moment in the NHL. His admiration for the six-time Stanley Cup winners also comes from the team’s storied history, distinctive black and gold uniform and their success in the sport. His all-time favorite NHL players are Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid, for their ability to perform at the highest level consistently.

Abhishek ensures his reporting is fair and balanced by being well-researched in his details, which he expects to be relevant, up-to-date and in line with ethical standards. His specialties are doing detailed match analysis and covering fan reactions.

Abhishek enjoys music, traveling and going on walks with his three German Shepherds in his free time, along with learning about horticulture.

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Edited by Abhishek Dilta