The Edmonton Oilers bounced back strongly in Game 2 of the Western Conference final, defeating the Dallas Stars 3-0 and tying the series 1-1. After a rough collapse in Game 1 where the Oilers lost a 3-1 lead and fell 6-3, Game 2 was all about smart, focused hockey and a standout performance from goaltender Stuart Skinner.
A Big Night for Skinner
Stuart Skinner made 25 saves in Game 2, including a crucial stick save in the third period that had fans and analysts talking. Dallas defenseman Esa Lindell looked certain to score into an open net, but Skinner reached across with the heel of his stick to deflect the puck just wide.
According to advanced stats from moneypuck.com, Skinner posted a 2.87 goals-saved-above-expected rating — a sign that he stopped far more than the average goalie would based on the quality of shots faced.
“It’s a rollercoaster,” Skinner told ESPN’s Emily Kaplan. “There’s a lot of highs and lows in the playoffs. It doesn’t matter who you are — the challenge is always there.”
Shutouts or Struggles — No In-Between
Game 2’s shutout was Skinner’s third of the 2024-25 NHL playoffs, tying him with Florida Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky. But here’s the twist: Bobrovsky has played 14 games, while Skinner has only played 7.
What’s even more surprising is that Skinner has either won by shutout or lost with a save percentage below .833 in every playoff game this year. There’s been no middle ground — he’s either been unbeatable or pulled into doubt.
A Bumpy Road to the Net
Skinner’s playoff journey has been anything but smooth. He gave up 11 goals in his first two games against the LA Kings, both losses, before Calvin Pickard took over in net. Pickard went 6-0 to help Edmonton eliminate LA and take a 2-0 lead over Vegas before getting injured.
When Skinner returned in Game 3 against the Golden Knights, he had another tough night with an .833 save percentage and a late-game loss. But what followed were two back-to-back shutouts that sent Edmonton to the Western Conference final for the second year in a row and the third time in four years.
Solid in Game 2 After Game 1 Collapse
In Game 1 against the Stars, Skinner was strong through the first two periods, stopping 16 of 17 shots. But in the third period, he allowed four goals on just 10 shots, three of them on the power play.
Game 2 was much better — the Oilers stayed out of the penalty box and even went 2-for-2 on the penalty kill. They also outhit Dallas 50-29, showing much more discipline and intensity.
Should the Oilers Stick with Skinner?
After each loss, fans and experts question whether the Oilers should switch goalies again — maybe go back to Pickard when healthy, or even try Olivier Rodrigue. But every shutout Skinner posts reminds everyone why he’s still in the net.
“For me, it’s rinse and repeat,” Skinner said. “You can let in five goals and still give it your all. Sometimes, the score doesn’t tell the full story.”
Experience and Team Support Matter
Skinner pointed out how his experience, especially reaching Game 7 of the Stanley Cup final last season, has helped his mindset.
“You’re never really out until someone tells you that you’re done,” he said. “And I’ve learned that more than ever.”
He also praised his teammates and the city of Edmonton for supporting him through the ups and downs.
“It really does take a community,” he said. “The way the guys play in front of me — that’s everything.”
Stuart Skinner’s journey in the 2024–25 NHL playoffs has been unpredictable — shaky in some games, brilliant in others. But his Game 2 performance showed why the Oilers still believe in him. With Calvin Pickard out and the series tied, Edmonton will need Skinner to stay sharp if they want to reach the Stanley Cup final once again.
