Stuart Skinner has faced plenty of pressure as the Edmonton Oilers’ starting goalie, especially after the team’s latest Stanley Cup Final run. Despite his strong performance in the 2024-25 NHL playoffs, including three shutouts and seven wins, Skinner has still found himself at the center of criticism. With the Oilers falling short against the Florida Panthers, many are questioning what needs to change for Edmonton to finally lift the Stanley Cup.
Is Stuart Skinner to Blame for the Oilers’ Cup Loss?
NHL insider Jason Gregor appeared on Sportsnet 590 The FAN and said Skinner should not be blamed for Edmonton’s failure to win the Cup. Instead, he suggested the team’s goaltending coach, Dustin Schwartz, might be under scrutiny.
“It’s frustrating because [Stuart Skinner] isn’t as good as Bobrovsky, but [the Oilers] aren’t built to have their goalie steal them games, and he did up until the final.”@JasonGregor on why #LetsGoOilers aren’t rushing for a new starter with @RealKyper & @jtbourne. pic.twitter.com/vvYV5ZoJKx
— Sportsnet 590 The FAN (@FAN590) July 2, 2025
Schwartz joined the Oilers in November 2014 and had been with the organization longer than several coaches and general managers. However, he was relieved of his duties as goaltending coach in June 2025, following the team’s defeat in the Stanley Cup Final.
Under Schwartz, Skinner, and backup Calvin Pickard struggled to contain the Panthers’ offense, with Sam Bennett and Sam Reinhart playing key roles as Florida celebrated its championship.
Gregor is not the only one to report that Schwartz was on the hot seat. According to The Hockey News, there is speculation that assistant coach Mark Stuart could remain with head coach Kris Knoblauch, while other staff members may move on.
Looking ahead, it appears Skinner will continue as the Oilers’ primary goaltender. He has proven himself during key stretches of the regular season and was trusted as the starter throughout this year’s Stanley Cup Final.
However, he cannot carry the load alone. The Oilers’ success will likely depend on how the organization supports him, whether by hiring a new goaltending coach or finding a reliable backup.
Skinner’s Playoff Performance and Background
Skinner, who stands 6’4″ and was selected by Edmonton in the third round (No. 78) of the 2017 NHL Draft, earned his role as the team’s starter.
Earlier in his career, he led rookie goalies in wins (29) and games played (50), finished third in save percentage (.914), and was fifth in goals-against average (2.75) among rookies who played at least 10 games. He was also a finalist for the Calder Trophy, which is awarded to the league’s top rookie.
This season, Skinner started all six games in the Stanley Cup Final against the Panthers. He faced 154 shots and allowed 18 goals during the series. Despite these numbers, criticism has continued, with some pointing fingers at the team’s goaltending as a reason for the Oilers’ loss.
