Skinner was excellent for a two-month stretch from the end of November to the end of January, during which he was one of the best netminders in the NHL. That, combined with helping the Oilers to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final last year, gives him tons of clout. Don’t forget how good he was from Game 4 onward in each series.

This in from Oilers insider Bob Stauffer, his suggestion that the Edmonton Oilers will stick with goalie Stuart Skinner for Game Two of the Stanley Cup quarter-finals against the Los Angeles. Stauffer also said if Evander Kane and John Klingberg are cleared to play,

Stuart Skinner struggled mightily for the Edmonton Oilers in a 5-4 Game 1 loss to the Los Angeles Kings on Monday night.