Edmonton Oilers Morning Skate Reveals Starter In Goal For Crucial Game 6

The Edmonton Oilers' regular starting netminder in these playoffs has been Stuart Skinner. But it was Jack Campbell who finished things up in Game 5, and Skinner has been pulled in two of the last three games. 

Now, as they get set for an elimination game, down 3-2 in their second-round series with the Vegas Golden Knights, it appears the rookie will be back between the pipes.

Skinner will start tonight in Game 6. In the starter’s net at morning skate. #Oilers #GoldenKnights #NHL pic.twitter.com/iPB97uNpsm

— Derek Van Diest (@DerekVanDiest) May 14, 2023

The 24-year-old was in the starter's net at the morning skate on Sunday. Game 6 is later tonight.  

Skinner is a finalist for Rookie of the Year, and has started all of the Oilers' playoff games this spring. But with a 3.52 goals against in 11 postseason games with an .890 save percentage, his performance hasn't always lived up to his regular season billing.

During his official rookie year, Skinner went 29-14-5 in 48 starts, with a 2.75 GAA and a .913 SV%. He stole the starter's job from big offseason free agent signing Campbell, and never looked back. 

But in a critical Game 5 against the Golden Knights on Friday night, he allowed four goals on 22 shots, and three in just 89 seconds in the second period which led to the hook from coach Jay Woodcroft. 

But Skinner is the guy that got them there, and it appears the Oilers will ride with him once again in a do-or-die Game 6 on Sunday.

Photo: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports