The Dallas Stars came alive in the third period, scoring five goals to erase a two-goal deficit and secure a 6-3 win in Game 1 of the Western Conference final against the Edmonton Oilers. The biggest blow came from three quick power-play goals, which the Oilers’ penalty kill just couldn’t stop. It was a momentum shift that not only changed the scoreboard but also seemed to shake Edmonton’s confidence on the ice.
‘It’s Definitely a Love-Hate Relationship’ – Stuart Skinner Opens Up About Emotional Toll of Playoff Hockey
After the loss, goaltender Skinner didn’t hide how he felt. He admitted that the pressure of the playoffs can be both motivating and mentally draining. Skinner has always been open about the mental side of hockey, and this moment was no different. He described the playoff grind as a “love-hate relationship” because it means so much.
Skinner opened up about the emotional rollercoaster that comes with playoff hockey. For him, the pressure isn’t just about stopping pucks; it’s about carrying the weight of a lifelong dream. And sometimes, that dream feels heavy.
“It can definitely be a love-hate relationship. I mean, I just love the battle, I love the compete, you know, I love the fight. I think that’s why a lot of us really enjoy playoffs, just being able to fight for something that you’ve always wanted your whole life, that you’ve dreamed of.”
Skinner didn’t focus on missed saves or what went wrong on the penalty kill. Instead, he spoke about something deeper — the emotional weight that comes with chasing a dream as big as the Stanley Cup.
Skinner said he loves the intensity of the playoffs: the battle, the competition, and the chance to fight for something he’s wanted his whole life.
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But that same fire is also what creates the most pressure. The fear of falling short of something you’ve dreamed about since you were a kid can be overwhelming. It’s a hard balance WHEN loving the game deeply while carrying the burden of everything it means. That pressure can wear on even the toughest players.
Despite the loss, it’s not just about bouncing back on the scoreboard. It’s about reconnecting with the heart that fuels every shift, every save, and every goal. Game 2 will test not just the Oilers’ strategy, but their resilience. For Skinner, it’s one more chance to embrace the battle he both loves and fears losing.