The Edmonton Oilers’ latest Stanley Cup setback has sparked sharp reactions across the NHL landscape. As fans and analysts dissect the team’s performance, one familiar voice stood out, and he’s not pulling any punches.
The real story emerged after the season ended, and the conversation turned toward the Oilers’ biggest vulnerability.
Don Cherry Criticizes Stuart Skinner’s Playoff Impact
During a recent episode of his “Don Cherry’s Grapevine Podcast,” Canadian hockey icon Don Cherry offered an unfiltered take on Edmonton’s goaltending and goalie Stuart Skinner in the Stanley Cup Final.
“Skinner never stole a game,” Cherry said bluntly. “You’re absolutely right. He’s got to be the outstanding player in one game, and he wasn’t.”
Cherry added context to his criticism, suggesting that while Skinner didn’t single-handedly cost Edmonton the Stanley Cup, his inability to deliver in key moments loomed large.
Cherry’s remarks touched a nerve among Oilers fans, many of whom had already questioned Skinner’s consistency under playoff pressure. Others defended the young goaltender, citing his resilience throughout the early playoff rounds and the broader defensive lapses that surrounded him.
Insiders note that an established netminder like John Gibson could provide Edmonton with needed reassurance in the crease. TSN reports that the Anaheim Ducks may be willing to retain salary in a Gibson trade, making the veteran a realistic target.
“It has to be the goaltending,” TSN reporter Frankie Corrado stated. “Given the way things have gone the last couple years – and we’ll say this – it’s not that goaltending lost them the Stanley Cup, but you’ve gone into situations where you haven’t had the save at the right time in the big moment.
“I’m not saying that someone else is going to do it, but someone else might give you a better chance or at least create less uncertainty in the crease,” Corrado said. “This is the year and the time to get John Gibson.”
Stuart Skinner’s Numbers Under the Microscope
Skinner had a .891 save percentage and a 2.99 goals-against average through 14 NHL playoff starts, including in the Stanley Cup Final. He was pulled in two games after allowing nine goals on 40 shots, but also recorded three playoff shutouts earlier this spring.
While Skinner showed flashes of poise earlier in the postseason, critics argue that he couldn’t elevate when it mattered most.
The broadcast couldn’t believe what Stuart Skinner was doing on this goal pic.twitter.com/DZkSNZdR7o
— SleeperNHL (@SleeperNHL) June 18, 2025
Interestingly, Skinner remains a promising piece of the Oilers’ future, but this postseason highlighted the challenges of relying solely on a developing goalie during a high-stakes series like the Stanley Cup Final. The pressure was evident, and the lack of a game-stealing performance amplified doubts about his current ceiling.
Cherry’s comments come amid growing chatter about Edmonton’s goaltending strategy moving forward. Some insiders suggest that a potential move for a veteran netminder to create a more balanced tandem is worth exploring, easing the load on Skinner while providing stability in critical situations.
What Comes Next for the Oilers’ Goaltending Situation?
Goaltending wasn’t the only issue in the Stanley Cup Final, but it remains the most scrutinized. As Edmonton evaluates its roster, including contract extensions and trade market options, the crease could become a focal point of an offseason reset.
Whether Skinner rebounds and solidifies his status as the team’s long-term answer or the front office seeks insurance, the Stanley Cup window won’t stay open forever. As Cherry pointed out, in the NHL, teams can’t afford to wait for promise to turn into performance.
With strong leadership and a talented core, the Oilers remain contenders. Until the goaltending question is fully answered, every playoff misstep will feel like a familiar sting.
