The Edmonton Oilers’ Stuart Skinner is a name that has been a constant part of conversation this past season. The Edmonton born goaltender has faced the pressure of what it is like being the starting goalie of a prestigious Canadian franchise throughout his NHL career thus far.
Devan Dubnyk can relate to the feelings that Stuart Skinner is facing. The former Edmonton netminder was the Oilers starting goalie from 2009-2014. Unlike Skinner, Dubnyk manned the Oilers crease during a low point for the Oilers franchise in a period where they were consistently at the bottom of the standings. He did not face the playoff pressures that Skinner has faced in recent seasons.
But Dubnyk understands the mental fortitude required of a goalie in Skinner’s position. Via The Big Show, Devin shared some honest comments on what he has seen in Skinner’s game of late.
What did Dubnyk have to say about Skinner?
Dubnyk told media that Skinner has done an “impressive job” of handling the pressures of being an Edmonton Oilers starting goalie. He mentioned how much big game hockey the netminder has played already at the young age of 26 in the goalie world. He believes Skinner has received too much blame for the Oilers playoff defeats.
It is an interesting perspective from Dubnyk who has seen up close and personal the tremors Skinner has faced in the league himself. As Skinner enters the last year of his contract with Edmonton, he will look to put all the outside talk behind him and deliver a Cup for his hometown squad.
