Former NHL goalie opines Oilers' Stuart Skinner has "lost his way" after shellacking by Panthers in Game 3

Stuart Skinner is facing more questions about his performance after the Edmonton Oilers’ 6-1 loss to the Florida Panthers in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final as coach Kris Knoblauch replaced Skinner with Calvin Pickard.

Skinner played well after taking the starting job back in the second round against the Vegas Golden Knights. Pickard had earlier helped the Oilers with four straight wins after Skinner’s early struggles against the Los Angeles Kings. Now, the focus has returned to Skinner’s game.

Former NHL goalie Stephen Valiquette spoke about Skinner’s situation on Sportsnet. Valiquette, who played mostly for the New York Rangers and now works as an MSG Network analyst, said that Skinner isn't playing well right now and that the Panthers know what to expect from Skinner.

Valiquette said:

"Florida has a book on him right now. They know that when the puck is low, he's going to be in a reverse."

He explained that Skinner drops into a reverse position when the puck is low, but his movement out of that stance isn't fast enough. Valiquette added:

"To me, Skinner—if it was me—I wouldn't be down in a reverse there because he doesn't move well enough out of it."

He said that it makes it easier for Florida to score. Valiquette also pointed out a worrying number.

"In the postseason, Skinner’s faced 14 breakaways—he’s allowed eight goals. That’s one every 1.7. That’s not a number you can win with."

He said that goalies must make key saves in big moments.

"You need momentum-changing saves, and you're not getting breakaway saves. It’s going to hurt you."

Valiquette believes Stuart Skinner needs to reset.

"I think he needs a reset. But I think right now he’s lost his way a little bit."

The Oilers now decide if Stuart Skinner or Pickard should start moving forward. Skinner has played well in parts during the playoffs, but his recent struggles are a concern.

---

Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner allowed five goals in Game 3

Stuart Skinner failed to give the Edmonton Oilers the lead in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final. He made 18 saves and allowed the first five goals. Florida scored early and kept control to take a 2-1 series lead.

Brad Marchand gave Florida a 1-0 lead 56 seconds into the game with a shot from the left circle. Later in the first period, Carter Verhaeghe scored on the power play to make it 2-0.

In the second period, Sam Reinhart made it 3-1. Forward Sam Bennett added another goal, giving Florida a 4-1 lead, forcing a turnover and scoring with a clean move against Skinner.

Early in the third, Aaron Ekblad scored on another power play. That goal ended Stuart Skinner’s night in goal. Edmonton took too many penalties and couldn’t stay in the game.