Despite some ugly early-series numbers, Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner still has the faith of his coach.
Skinner gave up three goals on the first seven shots he faced in Wednesday’s Game 2 loss to the Los Angeles Kings. The Oilers rallied before losing 5-4 in overtime on a breakaway goal from Anze Kopitar.
The Western Conference first round series is tied 1-1, but Skinner has a wobbly .857 save percentage through the first two games.
Skinner’s play through the first two games is reminiscent of the goaltending struggles that plagued the team in the 2023 post-season. In the 2023 playoffs, Skinner was pulled four times in 12 starts, as then-coach Jay Woodcroft displayed that he wouldn’t be patient with the goalie’s sluggish starts.
Kris Knoblauch, who took over as Oilers coach in November, showed more patience. When asked if …