Edmonton Oilers lose starting goalie at worst possible time

The Edmonton Oilers have potentially lost their starting goaltender, Stuart Skinner, at the worst possible time. Skinner left the game in the third period for the second time in three contests, following a scary incident with Dallas Stars forward Mikko Rantanen.

Let’s start by looking at the play:

The replay showed Rantanen skating by the crease as Skinner attempted to play the puck. The Stars’ forward made contact with Skinner’s head, whipping it backward awkwardly.

Skinner was relatively quick to get up but seemed significantly dazed. Anyone who’s had a head injury can attest to the woozy feeling that comes with having the brain rattle around inside the skull.

As per procedure, Skinner left the game for concussion protocol. Now, here’s where things get dicey. Skinner left the game against the Winnipeg Jets last Thursday night, also due to concussion protocol.

Fortunately, he was fine and nothing came of the situation. But one can’t help but wonder if that incident against the Jets could have played a role in magnifying the situation with Rantanen.

Moreover, if Skinner did indeed suffer a concussion (his head whipping back would suggest that), the Oilers starting netminder could be out for the foreseeable future. Concussions are extremely tricky as there is never a firm timeline for a player’s return.

Concussions are always a touch-and-go type situation where players and doctors must err on the side of caution. In the meantime, the Oilers will turn to Calvin Pickard to hold the fort for however long Skinner is sidelined.

No timetable for Skinner’s return to Edmonton Oilers crease at this point

As it stands, the only certainty regarding Skinner’s injury is that he won’t be with the team on Thursday night against the Kraken in Seattle. Coach Kris Knoblauch confirmed Skinner’s absence, meaning the Edmonton Oilers will likely recall Olivier Rodrigue from Bakersfield. If Skinner does miss an extended period, the focus will be for him to be ready for the first round of the playoffs.

With concussions being tricky to manage, Skinner could be out for a couple of games to the rest of the season. Skinner’s time on the shelf likely depends on doctors clearing him to play more than Skinner’s willingness to hit the ice.

For now, the Oilers’ crease will rest with Calvin Pickard, who has shown to be a reliable backup this season. Hopefully, the Oilers won’t have to face a similar scenario to the one the Vancouver Canucks faced last season.

The Canucks lost their starter, Thatcher Demko, leaving them with backup Casey DeSmith and third-stringer Arturs Silovs. Then, the Canucks lost DeSmith, leaving them with Silovs as the starter in the playoffs.

Unfortunately for Silovs, the clock struck 12 and he turned out to be a pumpkin. Let’s hope that won’t be the case for the Oilers in this year’s playoffs.

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