According to Connor McDavid, That’s How Stuart Skinner Should Be Remembered as an Oiler — But Here’s the Part Fans Keep Ignoring
In Edmonton, what Connor McDavid says really matters. When he talked about how Stuart Skinner should be remembered, it started up a conversation that fans just can’t seem to let go of. Some people always focus on the bad games, the easy goals allowed, or the nerves in the playoffs. But McDavid made it clear: we shouldn’t judge history by just a few bad moments — we should think about the bigger picture.
Skinner didn’t just “show up” during the Oilers’ recent playoff journeys. He was present when the pressure was intense, expectations were sky-high, and every mistake was highlighted everywhere in the hockey world. Still, he stayed strong in goal as Edmonton made it to two Stanley Cup Finals. That alone sets him apart from many other goalies who never got that close.
Here’s a hard truth that some fans might not want to face: teams don’t accidentally reach the Cup Finals. They don’t get there with someone who isn’t up to the task. A team can’t survive four tough playoff series twice with a goalie who “isn’t good enough. ” Skinner took the heat, bore the pressure of a Canadian market eager for a championship, and helped guide the team when it truly mattered.
Sure, he had tough moments. Yes, there were times that made people doubt him. But if we only define greatness by being perfect, then most great players wouldn’t be remembered well either. McDavid knows this better than anyone else. He has been through those playoff battles, experienced the swings in momentum, and trusted Skinner’s abilities.
In the future, box scores and online arguments will disappear. But one thing will remain: Stuart Skinner was the goalie when the Oilers competed on hockey’s biggest stage — twice. That’s not just a side note. That’s a big part of his story.
And whether fans agree or not, that’s how he should be thought of.
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