Edmonton Oilers
Could Oilers Fans See Goalie Reunion Thursday Night in Edmonton?
We’ve received a hint at whether or not Stuart Skinner will be starting against his former team in Edmonton on Thursday.
With the Pittsburgh Penguins playing the first game of a back-to-back on Wednesday night in Calgary, it’s been reported that Stuart Skinner is expected get the start in goal against the Flames. As a result, it lines up for Arturs Silovs to start on Thursday night, rather than Skinner facing his former team in his return to Edmonton.
The longtime Oiler already got the rematch against his old squad out of the way in his Penguins debut back on December 16, a 6-4 loss where he allowed five goals on 22 shots, which perhaps played a role in the decision.
Play-by-play voice Josh Getzoff shared the news on X.
“Stuart Skinner is not on the ice for the @penguins optional skate; pointing towards a likely start for him in Calgary tonight,”
Skinner was, of course, traded to Pittsburgh along with Brett Kulak and a 2029 second-round pick in the big deal that sent Tristan Jarry and Samuel Poulin back to Edmonton. So far, that deal is looking like a win for both sides, as Skinner and Jarry have both looked comfortable in their new homes, while Kulak has been a huge addition to a thin Penguins defense corps.
The 26-year-old Skinner has gone 5-4-0 with a 2.49 goals-against average and a .898 save percentage as a Penguin. His season totals now stand at 16-12-4, with a 2.63 goals-against average, a .893 save percentage, and two shutouts
He’s a pending UFA in the third and final year of the three-year, $7.8 million extension he signed with the Oilers back in 2022.
Stuart Skinner Should Receive a Warm Welcome from Oilers Fans
As much of a roller coaster ride as Skinner’s Oilers tenure was, there’s no doubt he’ll be greeted with a nice tribute and ovation from the crowd at Rogers Place on Thursday.
He did, after all, shoulder a heavy workload for a team that reached the Stanley Cup Finals in back-to-back years, so there’s plenty to appreciate. Not to mention, he was a hometown kid who loved playing for the Oilers and was beloved by his teammates.
While his primary focus will be on the Penguins in another pivotal game as they push for the playoffs, there’s no doubt it will be an emotional moment for Skinner when the crowd acknowledges him—likely to a chorus of ‘Stuuu’ chants, which Pittsburgh has continued on in his second chapter.
Next: Stuart Skinner Appears to Take Subtle Jabs at Oilers and Fans
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