Send Stuart Skinner as far away from this team as possible. I am over this guy. Leon Draisaitl might have had one of his worst games as an Oiler, and despite Connor McDavid’s best efforts to tie the game late, the Golden Knights steal one in Edmonton to cut the series deficit to one game. Austin Hockey crashes out in tonight’s post-game fan reaction. #oilers #edmontonoilers #nhl
ICYMI: Game 2 FAN REACTION – https://youtu.be/bATWyzbE9fE
JOIN the Austin Hockey Bracket Challenge League today! https://bracketchallenge.nhl.com/en/leagues/27376
I have a NEW Channel for Gaming and Extra Stuff: https://www.youtube.com/@UCy8e0uVP9kIlny7eM7O8Hqg
Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4K4mprYG72He49k56Eging/join
I am now on Spotify, Apple and Amazon Podcasts!
https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9bd98a01-76d5-46f5-a7a3-e3977ce8fea4/the-austin-hockey-podcast
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-austin-hockey-podcast/id1776259161?itscg=30200&itsct=podcast_box&ls=1&mttnsubad=1776259161
I have a Discord Server! You Can Join Here: https://discord.gg/MarTVUpN
Game Over is BACK! Subscribe to the Game Over Edmonton YouTube Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/@UC9UeHym7B1UTiLdfNXe2MYQ
More Game Over: https://thegameovernetwork.com/
Ben Stelter Foundation Bracelets/Wristbands: https://benstelterfoundation.myshopify.com/
If you don’t want to miss any updates, announcements or video uploads make sure to Subscribe to my channel and follow my socials!
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AHockey1993
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/austinhockey.bsky.social
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@AHockey1993
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahockey1993/
TwitchTV: https://www.twitch.tv/austinhockeytv
50 Comments
I never thought I’d feel bad for an opponent’s goalie.
Skinner made the proper play. With seconds left the overwhelming odds were a shot and he was taking away the net. Why did his fellow oilers fall on the ice instead of making a check? Because they expected a shot. It was a smart play to go around and the player had momentum. Leon shouldn’t have had his stick there but when all hell is breaking loose bad things can happen.
With Skinner in net my best hope is to die in my sleep😔
Skinner needs to go! He created the loss and made Drisital look like a fool.
Skinner is young, he’s letting his emotions dictate his play, he was aware of limited time and drove out to the harsh marks going for the angle cut down. I’m not defending his decision here but three other defenders puck watching needs to also be discussed. Worst performance by most of the team on the ice for the last 20 seconds no doubt, move on and watch angry Drai come back and get a 5 point game.
I wish I could post a pic to comment. I have a screenshot of the last milliseconds……..NO GOALIE TO BE SEEN…………ffs I tried so hard to give the guy benefit of the doubt
Skinner almost won the cup last year – he's a great guy and good goalie!
Ok gents, Stu made a bad call but the trajectory of the puck wouldnt have gone into the net if drai didnt hit the puck. Also, bad defensive play let to this situation. Stu had great saves this game the fans just associate him w losing sadly.
Oh Stu… Tonight was his chance to bring it back, take back the crease, silence all the haters. Instead, he let in 2 goals within minutes of each other and completely stomped out all the momentum the Oilers had built in the first 15 minutes of the game. When we talk about goals against, its not just the number that goes in, but its how the goals are scored. Every team is going to get beat at one point of the game by the opposing team's offense, that is going to happen. But they need to work for those goals, by generating high danger chances with well executed plays. The first goal was not this, had Stu just been in a butterfly position against the post, instead of doing whatever he was doing(sitting on his ass?), I feel it would have been very unlikely they score there. Second goal was a couple things, a bad change by Edmonton that they got caught on, and Smith walks two players and goes cross crease. This is a better high danger chance given by the team on Skinner, so its a more difficult save, but again, had Stu been in butterfly, and pushed off the post if Smith crossed crease, he wouldn't have been 5-holed. By that time the D had shown up, if Smith went to wrap around Skinner by crossing crease, more likely than not a Oiler stick gets in the way or he gets flattened by a Defenseman. At the very least, one of these goals is saved by Skinner had he been playing like a proper NHL goalie and not like a circus clown.
I'm an ex-goaltender, I am 5 foot 8, so I know ALL about cutting down angles from long range and good cross-crease lateral movement, as a small goalie, you have to be EXCELLENT in this area if you want to make saves. Skinner's 6 foot 5, he's almost a foot taller than me and fills out that crease nicely. He doesn't have to play up out of his crease to fill up the net, he does that naturally by being huge, that's one of the reasons NHL goaltenders are usually 6 feet plus, as they just have a natural advantage in the position. This however doesn't mean you don't learn and polish technique, and for some reason, Skinner just doesn't have any. His laterals are terrible and his hockey sense is questionable at the least. Quite literally the only thing he has going for him is his glove hand, and that is still beatable. He plays the puck fine, but its no where near as good as Pickard, and even his stick use in close to break up plays and poke check pucks is terrible. And it shouldn't be! His stick is like 8 feet long!
I know we want to turn on the team for their play last night, and I won't make the argument that there wasn't some bad plays, bad changes, and all that but consider. You come into a game, play well the first 15 minutes, score 2 goals, and then your goalie lets in that first goal. They will never say it publicly, but I guarantee there were some eyes rolling on the bench when that goal went in. All of a sudden you have to start second guessing your game. You know that if Vegas snags a 2-line pass or the puck rolls off your stick during zone entry, its going back up the ice. Skinner just let in a pretty bad goal but you are still thinking, its all good we still in this. Then Vegas catches you on a line change, walks Arvidsson and Podkolzin, and you guessed it, Skinner can't make the save. Now its 2-2. You really can't be making those big break out passes, you can't push those zone entries and get caught at the blue line if it doesn't connect right because you know that if you make even ONE mistake defensively, its probably going to be in the back of your net. So you lock down defensively, play short passes and look for turnovers. You manage to do this pretty well, until a turnover happens (which happens frequently in hockey), Wild Bill Karlsson gets some space down the right side, but he's still mostly to the outside, Stu at this point is deep in his net, there isn't much space for him to throw it, so he goes short side, under the left arm, pretty well aimed shot given he doesn't have much to shoot at. This is a harder save that it may seem, but when we talk about clutch goaltending, this is it, it isn't an impossible save, and in fact, odds are in favor of Skinner to make this save. I even suspect that Karlsson didn't expect that goal to go in, but we know who did, the Oilers and their fans, because they have seen it before. This is a 20-80 shot, and of course, Karlsson beats the odds. Now its 3-2 going into the 3rd. You aren't confident that Stu is going to shut it down, but at this point you need to tie the game, so its back to the offense for you. But they've been grinding you down for 2 periods and VGK turtles up with the lead running a 1-4 knowing the Oilers are going to push for a goal. We've seen this before with LA, and its usually a bad idea BUT the Oilers are gassed, frustrated, desperate, and not playing with confidence. Even then, they manage a late game rally as they usually do, and tie the game (fluke or no fluke). It's the last minute, both teams are gearing up for OT, but Vegas finds a seam, makes a good pass and creates a surprise play in the Oilers zone in the last 10 seconds. In normal circumstances, a big goalie stays in his crease, fills up the net, gives him nothing to shoot at and it hits him or goes wide. Instead, he comes way out of his crease, so Smith skates it around him and creates a high danger chance. And yes, maybe it hits the post or sails wide, but also, maybe it goes in. Draisaitl on the back check is like WTF you doing Skinner? And tries to save the game ender, but ends up ensuring it goes in.
I know this post is long but stick with me. Can anyone point out one moment in this game where VGK finds a scoring chance that has really high odds to go in and Stu comes up with a spectacular save? Because I can't think of even one. In contrast, in game 2 VGK had 4 PP's, in 3 of those they managed a cross-crease lateral pass for a one-timer on the far side. 2 of these go in, because of course they do, they are very good plays and basically impossible saves, odds are like 90-10. Pickard saves 1 out of 3, keeps the game close, plays through an injury and closes out the game in OT. Whereas, I had no confidence in Stu going into OT after watching that game, despite him being rested, healthy, and with something to prove, so its probably just as well it didn't. A team plays different when they know a goalie can come up with the saves, and they don't have to think about babysitting the net all game, which is exactly the mindset the Oilers were in after the first period. In particular, this negatively effects the Oilers as they play a style of hockey that is only effective if they have the confidence to play the puck in an offensive manner. They can handle a goal or two going in the net, especially if its due primarily to their own poor defensive play, much like the second goal. But goal 1 and 3? Those are deflating, frustrating, and change the mindset of the team on the bench.
Skinner shouldn't get another shot at the net given how he played that game, its harsh but true. Even as a backup his game just isn't playoff level, its not regular season level, and I don't even think its AHL level at this point.
2nd goal and the last one, should never gone in
You sound like a real fan. You suck!
I’m a goalie, and I could tell it was the heat of the moment. He sees him coming in and miss reads it. Don’t put him in that spot! Bro, calm that f down btw, it’s 2-1 series.
Stars fan here, but I’ve always liked and respected the Oilers. I would love to see both teams play for Stanley. I’ve never seen anything like that until last night.
Didn’t play well enough to win. Wasn’t all on Skinner, though he’s obviously not good enough to play for this team. And it’s only one game, still up 2-1 with next game at home. Chill
Too much, Austin. I honestly enjoy your play-by-play, but I had to unsubscribe. The 'editorializing' last night was unhinged, unpleasant, unnecessary, and unprofessional.
you guys edmonton oilers fans are so dum, whe they win u dont say shit but whe edmonton lose u are against the goalie that not fair , this is a team sport ok
Austin do you know what part Picks needs so I can give him mine ?
Yep, that was a pivotal moment and they blew it. If Pickard isn't back then we're cooked! They play so bad in front of Skinner because they know he's a sieve so everyone is playing trying not to make mistakes instead of trying to win.
Sure, the Oilers threw defence under the bus, but Stuart Skinner had also needed to stop more of those shots that he’d faced (indeed, I count all goals he allowed as ugly).
Connor Brown is playing his best hockey in these playoffs already has 5 goals and is awesome on pk for 1 Million great signing!
As much as I like Stuart Skinner as a person, anyone saying this is Draisaitl’s fault isn’t entirely wrong—but they’re definitely not entirely right either.
There’s a goaltending technique in the NHL called RVH—Reverse Vertical Horizontal. It’s a specific stance where the goalie seals the post-side leg pad vertically against the ice while using the inside leg as a pivot. This allows for effective short-side coverage and play along the post. It’s a fundamental technique that is clearly taught and routinely practiced.
Had Skinner properly executed RVH, that goal would’ve been stopped. The only reason Draisaitl’s stick even came into play was because of Skinner’s poor positioning and lack of situational awareness. Challenging a shooter like Reilly Smith that far out of the net with 0.4 seconds left? That’s not just aggressive—it’s flat-out reckless.
I don’t care how you try to frame it—yes, Draisaitl’s stick deflected it in, but only because Skinner made a brutal decision in the first place. It was a textbook example of bad goaltending, and I’d love to hear anyone try to argue otherwise.
Don't blame you for losing your shit man. I knew he'd let a couple weak goals in and would ultimately lose us the game.
But we won't say anything about nurse doing a completely unnecessary dive instead of boxing him out. Lets just entirely blame skinner even though the defense also miserably failed. Alright.
Rodrigue and UofA goalie is better. Stu, don’t even drive to the rink tomorrow !
Normally the next day I'm calmer, but this time I'm still a bit put off about the way, that last goal played out… They better get the split… Else they could go down like LA did to the Oilers in round 1…
Soon as stu said he got the nod. You knew where the game would end up. YOU HAD ONE JOB IN THE OFF SEASON OILERS MANAGEMENT!!
Honestly, that was a frustrating game. But Austin, your reaction is a bad look for you. Please dont become the Oiler's Steve Dangle.
I can guarantee you right now, if they put Rodrigue in net he would do better than Skinner. Skinner needs to rebuild his game. If he can't do that, then he does not have it mentally.
Was pickard really unable to play? Or did knob use that as an excuse to do what he loves to do? Take a good thing and change it. Why was pick not in? Why cant we the people who pay them be told what the injury is? Knob has allways been an idiot .He changed up the lines for no good reason …as usual. And…why didn't jeff "liver-lips" Jackson get a goalie last summer?
Pretty hard to disagree with anything this gentleman has said in this video. Accurate assessment of what happened.
This team will never sweep another team in the playoff haha! Like McDavid said they like to make it stressful for some reason. 🤷♂️
"they have life, and they don't deserve life." Seriously? why is every edmonton fan acting like ot was a guaranteed win for them?
Awesome Rant buddy! I thought the same thing when I saw Stu leave his crease. Not sure why the Oilers won't spend the money on a great goalie, boggles my mind. Oilers goalies are good, but they're not great. Just because your team can score 7 goals every game, doesn't mean you don't need a goalie to make those huge saves to win a cup.
I knew we were going to lose as soon as they said that skinner was going to start.
Literally felt like the LA series all over again.
VGK fan here, I like to see the other team's perspective and I kind of feel bad for Skinner and the abuse he's taking. I thought he made some big saves, but seems like he lets one in at the wrong times. I saw him after games 1 and 2 here and he was so supportive of Picker. I was thinking what a great teammate he seems to be to have lost the job and then back the guy that took that job. I guess that's hockey, fans are passionate and want results. Anyways, good show, but you can't really put in the Rodrigue guy at this point I wouldn't think?
Skinner: "Hey Drais!..imma go for a quick skate, watch the net for me for a second…" 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Im sensing that your kinda upset .
I was shocked to see Wild Bill walk into the Edmonton zone with 4 defenders with like 5 seconds left and then to throw that puck in the slot for the hell of it and end up in the net was just a crazy moment. I would be pissed if that happened so I understand the frustration from the Oil fans.I don't understand why the defense let him skate around and not even put a body on him in the corner? Like, blame Skinner but there were 4 guys to 1 guy in Wild Bill. Good luck, the Oilers are still in command of the series in my opinion, I'm trying to be an objective fan here and not through my VGK blinders. LOL
Team just has no confidence in Skinner whatsoever, their play completely dipped, they barely had any shots on Vegas goal because they were all in the defensive zone trying to protect Skinner from shots, yet Skinner somehow found a way to completely flatten this team yet again
I put this loss on the three Oilers that Karlsson out right beat to that puck in the corner that Smith set up. That can’t happen.
Just like in game one against LA, McDavid busted his ass to tie up the game and Stu let him down.
Stuart Skinner is an idiot. He ruined the game. Did you see Mcdavid reaction after vgk tie the game 2-2. He really pissed off. For no surprise Mcdavid has enough already, pretty sure he will not sign his new contract with Oilers.
Maybe the oilers need an emergency back up goalie
Stupid coach Kris Knoblaugh just announced that game 4 will be Stuart Skinner s a goalkeeper. This is fuck up the game 4
Say Bye Bye to their chances of winning the Stanley Cup
stats are for nerds – wayne gretzky
oilers were playing like complete doggy doo doo most of the game and that's what it comes down too. they were LUCKY the even had a chance to take the game into overtime. move the hell on and stop crying.
Well at least Draisaitl scored!!!😂
Playing goalie is all about getting rid of the angle. With less than 4 seconds to play Skinner made the call that he’d have a larger chance to get rid of time by preventing the shot. He did want he wanted to do knowing he’d have backup to pick up the puck behind him. No one expected Drai to score an own goal though. Rough game for Drai overall.
Austin, your channel is the only place we can speak of our mind. When Pickard was in net, we witnessed the team played with creativity – several players scored in different ways. But when Skinner was in net, everyone had to look after the net (share the job that Skinner was supposed to handle by his own capabilities). The team lost the drive to fully go forward. I think Skinner brings the whole team down and sadly, Pickard won’t be able to play on Monday. I’m feeling upset already. 😢