Oilers’ double standard with Stuart Skinner sparks fan outrage

The Edmonton Oilers have stuck by Stuart Skinner for years, even when the results haven’t quite justified it. Now, some fans are calling out what they see as a major double standard in how the team handles their goaltenders.

Skinner has been the Oilers’ regular-season starter for the past few years, with the occasional benching at times during the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs for Calvin Pickard. Still, the coaching staff and front office continue to ride him, apparently hoping his game will stabilize.

Fans, however, are doing the math and the numbers are raising eyebrows. On X, one supporter broke down Skinner’s last 41 games versus former goaltender Jack Campbell, who was famously run out of Edmonton despite high expectations.

“Jack Campbell went 22-13-4, .886, 3.53 GAA with 13 quality starts and 10 really bad starts. Skinner’s last 41 games? 17-16-3, .888, 2.93 GAA with 15 quality starts and 12 really bad starts,” the fan wrote.

In other words, Skinner’s run is arguably worse, yet he remains the unquestioned starter. Why? I mean at this time, Edmonton doesn’t have a better option on the roster, in the pipeline, or on the trade market, at least not an affordable upgrade.

The Oilers’ dilemma is clear: stick with Skinner and hope for improvement, or make a bold move before the trade deadline if they truly want to contend for the Stanley Cup.

With championship aspirations on the line, fans know the pressure is only going to mount, and patience may soon run out.