While the Edmonton Oilers looked sharp offensively in the opening period of Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final, the momentum nearly took a turn after a moment of concern that could have changed the tone of the night.
Late in the first period, as the Florida Panthers were pushing hard, Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner was shaken up after a scary collision with Panthers forward Sam Bennett. The impact left fans inside Rogers Place holding their breath, unsure whether their playoff hero between the pipes would be able to continue.
Stuart Skinner Shakes Off Scary Collision to Stay Strong in Edmonton Oilers’ Stanley Cup Push
Bennett came crashing into the crease with speed and force, barreling into Skinner during a tense sequence. At first glance, it looked like a clean but unfortunate play. But replays showed Bennett may have been pushed by Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm, adding some controversy to what followed.
As Skinner went down hard and remained on the ice for nearly a full minute, the arena fell silent. Trainers rushed out to check on him, and for a moment, it looked like the Oilers might have to turn to their backup goalie in the middle of a critical game.
Stuart Skinner stays in the game after Sam Bennett takes a goaltender interference penalty pic.twitter.com/QquPgrH3AA
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 7, 2025
But Skinner, showing the grit that has defined his postseason run, got back on his skates and stayed in the game.
Officials assessed goaltender interference on Bennett despite the potential push from Ekholm. The decision will undoubtedly spark postgame debate, with fans and analysts split on whether the call was justified.
What followed shifted momentum in Edmonton’s favor. On the ensuing power play, Connor McDavid made a slick move through the slot and fed a perfect pass to Leon Draisaitl, who buried it to reclaim the Oilers’ lead.
Just moments earlier, the Panthers had tied the game with a goal from defenseman Seth Jones, and it felt like the energy was beginning to swing. Instead, the controversial penalty and Edmonton’s immediate response flipped the script again.
Skinner has been a major piece of the Oilers’ postseason success. With three shutouts and big performances against teams like the Vegas Golden Knights and Dallas Stars, he’s proven he can deliver in key moments.
Though his start to the Cup final hasn’t been as sharp as earlier rounds, Oilers fans know his track record. Skinner has a knack for bouncing back, quickly shaking off rough periods and regaining his focus.
If he can tap into that rhythm again as the series progresses, Edmonton’s chances of capturing its first Stanley Cup since 1990 remain very much alive.
His presence in net, combined with the firepower of McDavid and Draisaitl, gives the Oilers the balance they need to go the distance. For now, fans can exhale — Skinner is still between the pipes, battling to keep Edmonton’s championship hopes alive.
