Edmonton Oilers fans have blasted the team (especially the defense) after a late collapse led to a 4-3 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 3 of their second-round series. Despite the loss, the Oilers still lead the best-of-seven series 2-1. Nevertheless, that didn’t stop fans from voicing their displeasure — particularly at goalie Stuart Skinner — following the postgame press conference.
Fans Slam Oilers Goalie Stuart Skinner’s Performance
While analysts pointed fingers at the Oilers’ defensive breakdowns — and Leon Draisaitl had a nightmare moment when Reilly Smith’s off-target shot deflected off his stick and into the net — fans placed the blame squarely on Skinner.
"That's a goalie's job to give your team a chance to win the game. I thought I did, but it's a couple of tough bounces here & there."
Stuart Skinner reflects on his first game back between the #Oilers pipes.@Enterprise | #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/StZ21oqlPg
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers)
Get out of Edmonton
— Blake Petrushko 🇺🇦 (@Lacrosse_Blake)
Skinner’s postgame comments only fueled fan frustration with the struggling netminder.
Some fans went as far as to say Skinner’s time with the Oilers may be done, with one stating, “Get out of Edmonton.”
“The fact of the matter is, Stu has likely played his last game as an Oiler. it’s sad. i genuinely wanted to see him succeed, but for whatever reason, he is unable to get the job done. Hockey is very hard and sometimes people just can’t rise to the occasion,” one fan posted.
“The Oilers will never win the Stanley Cup with Skinner,” another added.
“Dude… no offense but you can’t stop a beach ball…” read another post.
A smaller group of fans defended Skinner, pointing out that the defense gave him little support.
I’m going to break down the Vegas goal video below a bit.
Photo one – Three #letsgoOilers skaters made a beeline to the bench after the faceoff. It’s 2-5 right then.
Photo 2 – This resulted in a 3-1 odd man rush. It was the beginning of the gift wrapped goal. https://t.co/LiQa4u0Ajs pic.twitter.com/ONv4Cx80IG
— Aaron Wood (@azvibesports)
Depsite the above fan’s attempt, Skinner has zero wins in three playoff games, with a 5.0 goals-against average and a .817 save percentage. He was benched in Game 2 of the Oilers’ first-round series against the Los Angeles Kings after allowing 11 goals across two games.
Skinner’s backup, Calvin Pickard, went on a record-breaking win streak, helping Edmonton win six straight. Unfortunately, Pickard suffered a lower body injury during Game 2 against Lag Vegas on Thursday, May 8, which forced Skinner back into the crease. However, given Skinner’s struggles, the Oilers are likely hoping Pickard can return quickly.
Oilers center Draisaitl, who attended the postgame press conference, took full responsibility for the costly deflection that ended up in Edmonton’s net.
“Obviously, we didn’t sort it out very well to let the puck get into the slot, but I think after that, it’s just unlucky,” Draisaitl told reporters. “It’s unfortunate, it goes off my stick. I’m just trying to keep it out of the net, obviously, and it’s just a bad bounce.”
Game 4 between the two squads is set to take place on Monday, May 12, at Rogers Place, at 9:30 p.m. ET.
