EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) — The performance of goaltender Stuart Skinner was the main concern for the Edmonton Oilers as they headed into the Stanley Cup Final.
In the first two games, Skinner has delivered, and the team’s 2-0 series deficit isn’t on him. It’s now up to his teammates to step up against Sergei Bobrovsky and the Florida Panthers in Game 3 on Thursday night as the series moves to Alberta.
“He’s been great,” captain Connor McDavid said Wednesday. “He’s given us a chance both nights, and that’s all you can ask of your goalie.”
Skinner has saved 40 out of 45 shots, with most goals scored against him stemming from turnovers and defensive errors. After practice in Edmonton, the 25-year-old seemed as calm as ever.
“He’s very resilient,” coach Kris Knoblauch said. “Like our team, he puts the past behind and focuses on the next shift, game, or play. Stu’s done a great job with that.”
Skinner hasn’t heard the praise from Wayne Gretzky during Game 2’s intermission broadcast. That’s intentional.
“In this situation, I’m avoiding TV,” Skinner said. “Just playing Mario Kart.”
Skinner uses meditation and reading to disconnect from hockey, helping him handle boos and criticism better than earlier in his career. This approach lets him focus on his job in net.
“Once the puck drops, it’s the same game I’ve played for years,” Skinner said.
However, Skinner can’t score goals, and Edmonton has only one in two games. Improving the power play after going 0 for 7 in the series is crucial, and after generating just one high-danger chance in Game 2, the Oilers aim to create more opportunities and score at even strength on Bobrovsky.
“We need more shots,” said Mattias Ekholm, who scored Edmonton’s only goal in the final. “For us defensemen, it’s about creating second chances, having guys around the net. Offense hasn’t been an issue with this group, so I’m not too worried.”
Late Panthers Departure
Choosing to stay an extra night at home and practice in Fort Lauderdale, the Panthers faced delays due to storms. Their flight, scheduled for 1 p.m. EDT, took off around 4:30, landing in Edmonton after 8 local time.
“We didn’t want to wake them early for a reasonable arrival time in Edmonton,” coach Paul Maurice said. “We saw no value in it.”
Nurse Ready to Go
Defenseman Darnell Nurse, injured by a hit in Game 2, skated minimally in the second and third periods and missed Wednesday’s practice. Despite this, based on practice pairings, Nurse is expected to play in Game 3.
“We haven’t considered not having him,” Knoblauch said. “With medical treatment, he played a bit at the end. With the time off, he’ll be ready.”
Knoblauch also anticipates veteran winger Corey Perry returning after being a healthy scratch Monday. He might replace Evander Kane, who has a sports hernia and only one point in nine games.
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