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X reacts to Stuart Skinner’s Game 2 performance

Stuart Skinner Edmonton Oilers
Photo credit:Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
Liam Horrobin
9 days ago
Game 1 felt like a breeze for the Edmonton Oilers. The offence was electric on Monday, with Connor McDavid grabbing five assists and Zach Hyman his first career playoff hat trick, contributing to a 7-4 win over the Los Angeles Kings. Many believed the same would happen on Wednesday in Game 2, however, that was far from the case.
The Oilers could not find their game, giving the Kings a 3-1 lead after 20 minutes at Rogers Place. Despite the poor start, Edmonton did find its legs and extended the game to overtime. Unfortunately for the home faithful, Anze Kopitar ended Game 2 in the extra frame, tying up the series as the two teams headed south.
Of course, with every defeat, people like to pick someone to blame. Last night, the blame from fans on social media network “X” fell largely on Stuart Skinner.
Saying Skinner was “dog shit” in the first two games is completely wrong. Yes, last night was not good by Skinner, and he needs to improve in games three and four as Archaeology stated. However, let’s not forget the save he made on Viktor Arvidsson when the game was still young, keeping the game 2-0. Edmonton then went right down the other end making it 3-0.
Unfortunately, in Game 2, Cam Talbot made that massive save this time around, denying Leon Draisaitl on the powerplay. If Talbot did not make that save, then the Oilers would probably win game two.
Even after only two games, we’ve somehow reached the point where people are calling for Calvin Pickard.
How are we here already? It’s only been two games, folks! Connor Hellebuyck has a 0.870 save percentage through two games against Colorado. On top of that, he has allowed ten goals. Do you think Rick Bowness is considering pulling him? Not a chance. Changing your goaltender after two games is basically telling him that you have no belief in him. It is arguably a decision that has the potential for irreversible consequences.
Those comments by Kris Knoblauch are clearly ones of a coach defending his goaltender. They are incorrect because those goals by Drew Doughty and Kevin Fiala sucked.
There’s no doubt that Skinner needs to improve in game three. Last night, he could not find his game. With that said, tomorrow is game three, and the Oilers need him to turn things around quickly.
After all of that, let’s give Oilers Nerd Alert the final word on our thoughts on Kopitar’s overtime winner.

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