Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner reaches milestone with 100th career NHL start

In a career marked by determination and perseverance, Stuart Skinner of the Edmonton Oilers is poised to etch another significant milestone in his journey as he steps onto the ice at Rogers Place tonight. Skinner, the 25-year-old goaltender selected 78th overall by his hometown club, will make his 100th career start in the National Hockey League against the formidable Boston Bruins.

Skinner’s path to this moment has been one of resilience, determination, and working his way through the Oilers’ system with success at every level. Drafted by the Oilers in the third round of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, Skinner has steadily progressed through the ranks, honing his skills and proving his mettle at each level of competition. From his junior days with the WHL’s Swift Current Broncos to his tenure with the Oilers’ AHL affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors, Skinner has demonstrated a steadfast determination to reach the pinnacle of the sport.

Tonight’s game not only marks Skinner’s 100th career start but also his 39th start of the 2023-24 NHL season. Such a feat speaks volumes about the confidence that the Oilers’ coaching staff and management have in the young netminder, entrusting him with the responsibility of guarding the crease night in and night out. With a record of 25-12-1 for the season, Skinner has been a reliable presence between the pipes, consistently giving his team a chance to win with his calm style of goaltending.

As Skinner prepares to face the Bruins, he will reach this milestone in front of a hometown crowd that he used to be a part of as an Edmonton youth. The Bruins, perennial contenders in the NHL, present a formidable challenge, boasting a potent offensive lineup led by the likes of David Pastrnak and Brad Marchand. However, Skinner has shown time and again his ability to rise to the occasion, embracing the pressure and delivering clutch performances when his team needs him most.

In addition to his impressive win-loss record, Skinner has posted commendable statistics this season after what was a dreadful start to the campaign for both he and the club, boasting a 2.57 goals-against average (GAA) and a .906 save percentage. Such numbers underscore his importance to the Oilers’ success and solidify his status as a cornerstone of the team’s future.

As the puck drops tonight at Rogers Place, all eyes will be on Stuart Skinner as he reaches an impressive marker on what we hope will be a long and success career. It’s a momentous occasion that symbolizes the culmination of years of working on his craft, sacrifice, and dedication. For Skinner, it’s not just about reaching a milestone, it’s about embracing the journey and continuing to strive for greatness with each passing game.

Regardless of the outcome tonight, Stuart Skinner’s legacy as a homegrown talent comes further into focus—a testament to his talent, resilience, and the way he’s living out a childhood dream. And as he takes his place between the pipes once again, fans will certainly celebrate the moment while also feeling excited about what the future holds for this rising star in the world of hockey.