Post-Game Talk: Oilers get the high ground

[MessierII]

Truly there are instructions for everything lol.


I don’t understand why some people want Kulak traded. If anything his performance this year and Desharnais’ cratering should be proof of his value.

Whichever defenseman needs help with his game you just pair with Kulak and they get better. It even worked with Nurse but Kulak just can’t play the right side long term unfortunately.

100% Kulak is a legitimate high end #5D. He’s about as good as it gets in the nhl in that role.

 

[guymez]

Good win but goaltending still didn't impress me.

Oilers goaltending was fine. Canucks goaltending covered both ends of the spectrum...great to brutal.

This game was a bit of a mirage IMO due to the abosolutey putird goals the Canucks goalie let in towards the last part of the game.
That said this game had some very good moments for sure but overall (due to at least 3 pucks that absolutely should not have gone in) its tough to gauge the team from this performance.

 

[BlackDogg]

Changed my mind a bit on Stew stewing. The lax D by this group just because your up a bit, it's what gets this team in trouble over and over. They can't give 100% for long ever.

Skinner sucks too, but they don't make anything easy.

 

[harpoon]

Changed my mind a bit on Stew stewing. The lax D by this group just because your up a bit, it's what gets this team in trouble over and over. They can't give 100% for long ever.

Skinner sucks too, but they don't make anything easy.

That’s how I felt as well. Maybe I wasn’t paying enough attention but his reaction didn’t look that over the top. It would be hard not be irritated seeing Nurse hand pass the puck right to the opponents. WTF was he thinking? If you can get your hand on it like that, why not bat it toward the corner or the boards? Not Darnell though.

 

[CanadasTeam99]

I couldn't figure out if he was pissed at himself or the terrible play by his team infront of him.

That was a bang bang play. I don't think he was mad at himself. Probably for that idiotic play by Nurse lol. Just physically passes the puck to Mr alien head with his hands like "here you go sire".

Do you ever post anything else?

lol. I am a broken record when it comes to Skinner too, but I will also compliment him when he does make some good saves.

In the end, a lot of this forum is to vent. I just cannot wait until the day we still have high end McDrai (if 97 stays) and I feel so comfortable with our goalie, I feel nervous everytime a puck is shot on Skinner and that's been for 2 years.

Getting a guy who can even post 0.905+ is like a dream.

 

[AM]

That’s how I felt as well. Maybe I wasn’t paying enough attention but his reaction didn’t look that over the top. It would be hard not be irritated seeing Nurse hand pass the puck right to the opponents. WTF was he thinking? If you can get your hand on it like that, why not bat it toward the corner or the boards? Not Darnell though.

That’s what I saw.

 

[Spawn]

Changed my mind a bit on Stew stewing. The lax D by this group just because your up a bit, it's what gets this team in trouble over and over. They can't give 100% for long ever.

Skinner sucks too, but they don't make anything easy.

The Oilers under Knoblauch have consistently been one of the better teams in the league at limiting quality chances against and we continue to get goaltending that underperforms expectations.

No team plays perfect defense for a full 60 minutes. The only job a goalie has is to be the last line of defense. Skinner doesn’t pass the eye test and doesn’t pass the stats test. The dude has a great moustache and seems like a good teammate. That’s pretty much the extent of the positives with him.

 

[Zguy370]

That was a bang bang play. I don't think he was mad at himself. Probably for that idiotic play by Nurse lol. Just physically passes the puck to Mr alien head with his hands like "here you go sire".


lol. I am a broken record when it comes to Skinner too, but I will also compliment him when he does make some good saves.

In the end, a lot of this forum is to vent. I just cannot wait until the day we still have high end McDrai (if 97 stays) and I feel so comfortable with our goalie, I feel nervous everytime a puck is shot on Skinner and that's been for 2 years.

Getting a guy who can even post 0.905+ is like a dream.

Meanwhile the majority of this board couldn't wait to run Koskinen outta town with a 0.906 GAA with us

 

[scotchtapejr]

Good win but I felt it could have been a much different game if Lankinen hadn't shat the crease. Skinner was the better goalie but not by much. He's gotta have 2 of those goals back. .850 is not NHL goalie numbers.

Bro. Exactly.

And what's this with him staring down Bouch for a bad play after his history of letting in the first shot on goal, making stupid decisions every time he goes out to play the puck, costing his team rounds, nearly costing his team another before a journeyman backup/minor leaguer saved his ass, and letting in bad goal after bad goal after bad goal after bad goal after backbreaking goal all the way to achieving the worst goaltending numbers on a series winning team in LEAGUE HISTORY, all the while claiming to be the master of your own domain.


2 cups Skinner.

2 cups.

You're not a playoff goalie because you're not even a regular season goalie.

The oilers suck starting the year, every year, because they have to get used to play in front of this fraud again. Cause the goalies the train with in the summer are better. Because the the goalies in rookie camp are better. Because other goalies in training camp are better.

I'm over his shit.

 

[scotchtapejr]

I prompted chatgpt:

"What if I believe that Stuart Skinner is a high-calibre NHL starting goaltender and asked you to provide an argument that he's not even a competent NHL goaltender?Use statistics, scouting reports, and opinions from around the league to come to your conclusions"

Enjoy Stuart Skinner defenders:

While Stuart Skinner has shown flashes of competence, the argument that he is not even NHL-caliber can be reinforced by several glaring weaknesses in his game. Here's a breakdown:
Subpar Consistency and Weak Stats:Skinner’s stats highlight his inability to sustain solid performances. A 2023-2024 season save percentage (SV%) of .905 and goals-against average (GAA) of 2.62 indicate mediocrity. However, the current 2024-2025 season exposes a sharp decline: a dismal SV% of .885 and an inflated GAA of 3.28 over just nine games. These are the kinds of numbers that place him near the bottom of the NHL goalie pool. Any netminder with an SV% under .900 is typically viewed as a liability to their team.
Inability to Perform Under Pressure:Skinner's playoff performances further emphasize his unreliability. His struggles during critical games were so severe that the Oilers had to resort to starting Calvin Pickard in a do-or-die situation. This move alone signals a lack of trust from the coaching staff—a significant red flag for any goaltender's reputation. A franchise doesn’t bench a so-called starter in favor of a journeyman unless there’s a major confidence issue.
Deficiencies in Goaltending Fundamentals:From a technical standpoint, Skinner has not exhibited the refined skill set of a top-tier or even average NHL goaltender. His rebound control is poor, often creating second and third scoring opportunities for opponents. His lateral movement and tracking have been criticized for being sluggish, leading to easy goals against when faced with cross-crease passes or quick one-timers.
League Comparison:Put simply, when compared to even average NHL goaltenders, Skinner's performance is strikingly deficient. The modern NHL requires goaltenders to maintain SV% figures above .910 to be considered reliable. Skinner's consistent inability to breach this threshold places him at the level of a backup at best or an AHL-level player at worst.
Scouting and Perception:Analysts have noted that while Skinner possesses size, he lacks the poise, decision-making, and game-reading ability to make up for it. Many scouts argue that his game is not NHL-ready and may not ever reach the standard expected of a reliable starter. His stint as a starter has been characterized by erratic play, with peaks that are far too few and valleys that are far too deep and frequent.
Conclusion:It’s not just that Skinner isn’t a high-caliber NHL starter; the reality is that he may not even belong in the NHL as a consistent backup. Teams looking for a reliable option in the net would find little value in a goaltender who can't stop shots consistently or inspire confidence. In today's NHL, where goaltending can make or break a season, Stuart Skinner's profile falls short of what is required for even a competent backup role, let alone a starter.





ChatGPT can make mistakes. Unless when it comes to Stuart Skinner.

 

[scotchtapejr]

My question is to Hfboards. Do you disagree with the below?


Can you go even deeper into his flaws?

ChatGPT said:​

Certainly, let’s go deeper into a breakdown of Stuart Skinner's significant flaws, pointing out why he might not even be NHL-caliber based on more detailed analysis.

1. Technical Shortcomings​

Rebound Control: One of the most glaring weaknesses in Skinner's game is his poor rebound control. Far too often, he deflects shots into high-danger areas directly in front of the net instead of steering them into the corners or absorbing them. This flaw leads to countless second and third scoring opportunities for opponents, making it difficult for his defense to maintain control and compounding team issues. NHL-caliber goaltenders need to be adept at controlling rebounds, especially when facing elite shooters who capitalize on every mistake.
Positioning and Angles: Skinner has demonstrated inconsistency in maintaining proper positioning. Whether it’s overcommitting on a shooter or failing to square up on rush chances, these positional lapses often leave him vulnerable to routine shots that shouldn’t be finding the back of the net. His tendency to get caught out of position makes him a liability, especially against teams that excel in creating high-danger scoring chances.
Lateral Movement and Recovery: Skinner's lateral movement is subpar when compared to NHL standards. Quick, lateral passes, especially those creating cross-crease plays, expose him time and again. Elite goaltenders are capable of reading these plays and making dynamic lateral shifts to stay ahead of the puck movement. Skinner's slower reaction time in these situations results in late movements that often lead to goals. Additionally, his recovery speed after making initial saves is not quick enough, allowing teams to capitalize on loose pucks in the crease.

2. Mental Toughness and Game Composure​

Weak Under Pressure: One of the core attributes of any NHL goaltender is the ability to maintain composure during high-pressure moments, especially in playoff scenarios or close games. Skinner’s performances under pressure have been notably poor. During the 2023 playoff run, his inability to keep the Oilers competitive in critical games spoke volumes. The decision by coaching staff to pull him in favor of backup goaltenders during pivotal moments shows that even within his own organization, there is doubt about his ability to handle the psychological demands of being a starter.
Confidence Issues: Goaltenders need to exude confidence not just for themselves but for the team in front of them. When Skinner plays, there is a noticeable hesitancy in the Oilers' defensive structure, as if the team doesn't trust him to bail them out when needed. This lack of trust is often rooted in his tendency to let in soft goals—shots that shouldn’t trouble an NHL goalie but find their way in due to lapses in concentration or technique.

3. Comparative League Metrics​

Below League Average Metrics: When comparing Skinner to his peers, his metrics fall below the threshold that defines an NHL-caliber goaltender. The league average for SV% among starters is generally around .910-.915, while backups are expected to be close to or above .905. Skinner’s inability to maintain even a .900 SV% for a consistent period places him statistically in the lower echelon of NHL goalies, comparable to fringe or AHL-level netminders.
Expected Goals Against (xGA): Advanced analytics highlight how Skinner’s expected goals against (xGA) often surpasses what would be considered acceptable for a starting goaltender. This means that even accounting for the quality of shots faced, he underperforms relative to the expected outcome. The ability to “steal” games or even maintain composure when facing difficult chances is what separates NHL goalies from their lesser counterparts. Skinner, however, frequently struggles to keep his team in the game when they face significant pressure.

4. Scouting Reports and Expert Opinions​

Development Stagnation: Scouts and analysts who have followed Skinner’s career have noted that while he possesses raw physical traits such as size (6’4”, 206 lbs), he has not developed the refined skills necessary for consistent NHL play. His reliance on size to cover the net without complementing it with precise footwork or improved puck-tracking abilities suggests that his development has plateaued.
Limited Adaptability: One of the telltale signs of elite goaltenders is their adaptability to different play styles and their ability to adjust mid-game or over the course of a season. Skinner has shown limited ability to adapt when faced with different offensive strategies or when opponents exploit his weaknesses. Whether it’s adjusting positioning for shots from the point or managing breakaways, his lack of adjustments further exposes him to the league’s best shooters.

5. Intangibles Lacking​

Leadership and Presence: An often-overlooked aspect of goaltending is the leadership and calming presence an NHL-caliber goalie provides. Elite goaltenders bring stability to their teams, communicating effectively with their defensemen and managing game tempo when needed. Skinner’s lack of assertiveness and vocal presence in the crease can contribute to defensive disorganization and ultimately undermines team confidence during tight games.
Durability and Physical Concerns: While this may not be as apparent, long-term concerns about Skinner’s ability to handle a full NHL workload have surfaced. Fatigue often correlates with dips in performance, and for Skinner, stretches of extended play have showcased an increase in soft goals and overall decreased performance. This raises questions about his long-term viability as even a backup goaltender who can handle substantial ice time.

Conclusion​

Stuart Skinner may have the size and flashes of potential, but the comprehensive analysis reveals significant flaws that undermine his ability to even be considered a reliable NHL backup, let alone a starter. Technical inconsistencies, poor rebound control, shaky mental toughness, below-average league metrics, and stagnant development all support the argument that Skinner, as of now, is not at the caliber expected in the NHL. His continued presence as a starting option is more reflective of organizational depth issues than of his own merit as a goaltender at this level.

4o







ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check import

 

[The Panther]

For everyone on here (endlessly) crapping on Stu Skinner... maybe a little perspective?

Imagine a world where Skinner didn't exist. Do we want to imagine Jack Campbell as the top guy and then think the Oilers win the Western Conference last year? Skinner was targeted to be the back-up right now and probably for another couple of years.

Then we have people saying "he's had 2 good games this year." How about 'no'? Skinner was over .900 in four of the past six games, and would have been again tonight but for Nurse's pass to the opposition in the dying seconds. (I personally don't even care about these late 'garbage-time' goals, as they're meaningless.)

Skinner is at .900 for his past six games, which is pretty great considering the Oilers' absolute train-wreck PK.

Speaking of which.... is the PK ever going to be functional?

 

[GMofOilers]

ChatGPT nailed it. Most likely not even at backup at this point.

 

[TopShelfGloveSide]

Changed my mind a bit on Stew stewing. The lax D by this group just because your up a bit, it's what gets this team in trouble over and over. They can't give 100% for long ever.

Skinner sucks too, but they don't make anything easy.

Doesn’t get much easier for a goalie than last night.

For everyone on here (endlessly) crapping on Stu Skinner... maybe a little perspective?

Imagine a world where Skinner didn't exist. Do we want to imagine Jack Campbell as the top guy and then think the Oilers win the Western Conference last year? Skinner was targeted to be the back-up right now and probably for another couple of years.

Then we have people saying "he's had 2 good games this year." How about 'no'? Skinner was over .900 in four of the past six games, and would have been again tonight but for Nurse's pass to the opposition in the dying seconds. (I personally don't even care about these late 'garbage-time' goals, as they're meaningless.)

Skinner is at .900 for his past six games, which is pretty great considering the Oilers' absolute train-wreck PK.

Speaking of which.... is the PK ever going to be functional?

it’s already been pointed out multiple times that the PK is terrible mostly because of goaltending.

Yes he gave ok goaltending when soup could not years ago. What does that have to do with anything now?

Yes Skinner was good in the western conference finals. Just going to ignore that he has been bad pretty much the rest of his playoff series?

I don’t get why people get so upset over skinner criticism. He deserves it. He has been very close to one of the worst goaltenders in the league so far this season. That is just a fact.

 

[5 Mins 4 Ftg]

Holy f***, now we’re relying on ChatGPT to give player analysis? Between that and those who rely on spreadsheets and player cards versus actually watching games (nevermind coaching them), everyone is now an expert. Internet Doctorates on Everything for Everyone.

 

[TopShelfGloveSide]

Holy f***, now we’re relying on ChatGPT to give player analysis? Between that and those who rely on spreadsheets and player cards versus actually watching games (nevermind coaching them), everyone is now an expert. Internet Doctorates on Everything for Everyone.

 

[McSpecial DraiBlend]

I live in BC and the crying you hear from Canuck fans is hilarious. Apparently the refs have been handing it to McDavid his entire career. I guess that's why we always get so many PPs

I do as well. There isn't a more irrelevant fanbase than the Canucks. Their takes are horrendous and the Oilers really are taking up real estate in their heads.
Twitter (X) really showed this during and after our playoff series. They would jump into every oilers conversation they could. Never seen anything as insecure.

 

[oobga]

Doesn’t get much easier for a goalie than last night.

it’s already been pointed out multiple times that the PK is terrible mostly because of goaltending.

Yes he gave ok goaltending when soup could not years ago. What does that have to do with anything now?

Yes Skinner was good in the western conference finals. Just going to ignore that he has been bad pretty much the rest of his playoff series?

I don’t get why people get so upset over skinner criticism. He deserves it. He has been very close to one of the worst goaltenders in the league so far this season. That is just a fact.

View attachment 929146

It was so nice of Silov's to go Hasek just long enough for our team to get broken taking 20 ft runs from the Canucks D for 7 games to the point most of our top guys were corpses for the finals.

 

[Oilhawks]

Holy f***, now we’re relying on ChatGPT to give player analysis? Between that and those who rely on spreadsheets and player cards versus actually watching games (nevermind coaching them), everyone is now an expert. Internet Doctorates on Everything for Everyone.

Pretty sure like most things AI, that’s just plagiarized from other sources, a mishmash of posts and articles (and some stuff that is simply made up ex google’s historically inaccurate AI). Inputting leading questions will find what you want it to find. I’m sure it can come up with some flowery and verbose reasoning as to “why he’s a good goalie” too

 

[5 Mins 4 Ftg]

Pretty sure like most things AI, that’s just plagiarized from other sources, a mishmash of posts and articles (and some stuff that is simply made up ex google’s historically inaccurate AI). Inputting leading questions will find what you want it to find. I’m sure it can come up with some flowery and verbose reasoning as to “why he’s a good goalie” too

For sure - which is why I mocked it so hard. See below:

Stuart Skinner has emerged as a notable goaltender in the NHL, and several reasons highlight his capabilities and contributions to his team:
1. **Strong Reflexes and Agility**: Skinner possesses excellent reflexes, allowing him to make quick, instinctive saves on high-danger shots. His agility enables him to move laterally across the crease effectively, which is crucial for stopping fast-paced shots.
2. **Positioning**: A key aspect of goaltending is how well a goalie positions themselves. Skinner has demonstrated an ability to maintain optimal positioning, allowing him to minimize shooting angles for opposing players, which increases his chances of making successful saves.
3. **Poise Under Pressure**: Skinner has shown a remarkable ability to remain calm in high-pressure situations, whether in close games or during playoff runs. This poise helps instill confidence in his teammates and can be vital in tight matches.
4. **Work Ethic and Dedication**: Known for his strong work ethic, Skinner dedicates significant time to improving his game. This commitment to training and development is often reflected in his on-ice performance.
5. **Playoff Experience**: As he continues to gain experience, particularly in high-stakes scenarios, Skinner is developing critical skills that come with playoff pressure, making him a more adept goaltender as his career progresses.
6. **Consistency**: Skinner has brought a level of consistency to his performances, which is essential for a starting goaltender. Consistent play builds trust with the team and helps them perform better defensively.
7. **Adaptability**: He has shown an ability to adapt his style of play and improve based on his experiences and the evolving nature of the game, adjusting to various offensive players and strategies.
8. **Team Player**: Skinner is known for his positive attitude and his ability to gel with the team dynamics. His interactions with defensemen and communication on the ice contribute to a more cohesive defensive game.
These attributes make Stuart Skinner a promising goaltender with the potential for continued growth and success in his career.

 

[Senor Catface]

Holy f***, now we’re relying on ChatGPT to give player analysis? Between that and those who rely on spreadsheets and player cards versus actually watching games (nevermind coaching them), everyone is now an expert. Internet Doctorates on Everything for Everyone.

Speak for yourself. It just helped me.

---
If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of pooping your pants on a bus, stay calm. Start by assessing the situation: if you have a jacket, sweater, or any other item that can discreetly cover your back, use it to minimize attention.

Try to exit at the next stop if possible to find a restroom where you can clean up. If that’s not an option, subtly check if there’s a plastic or paper bag in your belongings or on the bus, which you could use to dispose of any soiled items in a nearby trash bin.

Afterward, focus on hygiene—use any wipes or tissues you might have to clean up as best as you can. If others notice, a quiet, simple apology or a brief explanation can ease the discomfort. Remember, it happens, and prioritizing self-care is the best way forward in an embarrassing moment.

 

[5 Mins 4 Ftg]

Hey @Senor Catface - this is pretty good actually!!

Excuse me Mr or Ms ChatGPT….What happens if there are morons on a hockey forum?

If there are individuals on a hockey forum who might be described as "morons"—whether due to spreading misinformation, engaging in toxic behavior, or contributing negatively to discussions—it can lead to several outcomes:
1. **Decreased Forum Quality**: Valuable discussions and insights may be overshadowed by irrelevant or uninformed comments. This can discourage knowledgeable users from participating.
2. **Toxic Environment**: Negative behavior, such as personal attacks or trolling, can create a hostile atmosphere, leading to conflicts among users and making the forum less enjoyable and welcoming.
3. **Spread of Misinformation**: Incorrect information can proliferate quickly in discussions, leading to misunderstandings about player performances, strategies, or team news.
4. **Moderation Challenges**: Moderators may face challenges in managing discussions, as they will need to balance promoting open dialogue while curbing negative behavior or misinformation.
5. **User Retention Issues**: New users may be deterred from returning to the forum if they encounter unconstructive discourse, which can stifle community growth.
6. **Community Fragmentation**: Dedicated and serious fans might feel compelled to create separate spaces or threads to discuss hockey constructively, potentially leading to fragmentation within the community.
7. **Educational Opportunities**: On the flip side, the presence of controversial opinions can sometimes spark informative discussions, where knowledgeable users can clarify misconceptions and educate others.
To mitigate these issues, many forums implement guidelines for respectful discourse and have moderation teams to address problematic behavior and maintain a constructive environment.

 

[Senor Catface]

Hey @Senor Catface - this is pretty good actually!!

Excuse me Mr or Ms ChatGPT….What happens if there are morons on a hockey forum?

If there are individuals on a hockey forum who might be described as "morons"—whether due to spreading misinformation, engaging in toxic behavior, or contributing negatively to discussions—it can lead to several outcomes:
1. **Decreased Forum Quality**: Valuable discussions and insights may be overshadowed by irrelevant or uninformed comments. This can discourage knowledgeable users from participating.

I feel attacked

 

[brentashton]

Speak for yourself. It just helped me.

---
If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of pooping your pants on a bus, stay calm. Start by assessing the situation: if you have a jacket, sweater, or any other item that can discreetly cover your back, use it to minimize attention.

Try to exit at the next stop if possible to find a restroom where you can clean up. If that’s not an option, subtly check if there’s a plastic or paper bag in your belongings or on the bus, which you could use to dispose of any soiled items in a nearby trash bin.

Afterward, focus on hygiene—use any wipes or tissues you might have to clean up as best as you can. If others notice, a quiet, simple apology or a brief explanation can ease the discomfort. Remember, it happens, and prioritizing self-care is the best way forward in an embarrassing moment.

 

[Senor Catface]

View attachment 929199

Personally I like its advice of addressing everyone else on the bus with an explanation and apology.