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10 Years from Now What Will Oilers’ Stuart Skinner Remember?

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | By Old Prof | Last updated 2/3/24

Stuart Skinner has had a remarkable month, being a key part of the Edmonton Oilers resurgence and 16-game winning streak. He’s their main goalie who’s won almost all of his team’s games. He’s been great. As the All-Star Break is now in full force, it caused me to wonder about his remarkable month from his perspective. What will he remember in 10 years?

A Glimpse into Stuart Skinner’s Future Reflections

If Skinner were to look back in 10 years, his incredible month would undoubtedly be etched in his memory as a key chapter in his hockey career. Here’s a speculative look at the three key things he might remember about this amazing period.

In an interview with Gene Principe, just before he went on his current heater with the Oilers, Skinner had just thrown a shutout against the San Jose Sharks. On that night, he reflected on his need to stay focused and resilient during moments of high intensity – especially when things were not going well.

Given those comments, he will have to remember how the team’s commitment and focus helped them reverse a horrible season and turn things around. That turnaround had to take a strong willpower not to quit. This aspect of his journey would likely stand out. The mental fortitude his team showed in critical games, especially against tough opponents, fueled one of the biggest turnarounds in NHL history. It would be a testament to Skinner’s ability to rise to the occasion and carry his team with him.

The Collective Joy of Team Success

In essence, when Skinner looks back in a decade, the most cherished memory would undoubtedly be the collective triumph and the joy of winning together as a team that was in shared pursuit of a championship. The Oilers’ historic 16-game winning streak (maybe more) will remain an extraordinary chapter that transcends his individual accomplishments.

The camaraderie forged in those intense moments of high-intensity games, the resilience displayed as the team faced challenges, and the thrill of being a vital part of a team that engraved its name in hockey history would stand out as the essence of his remarkable journey. The winning streak, and his part in it, would be a symbol of both personal achievement and the collective spirit that defines the pursuit of greatness in the world of professional hockey.

His Family and Hockey Joy During These Moments

A significant part of Skinner’s memorable January didn’t even happen in the New Year. In December, he spent his first Christmas as a new father and husband. The joy he expressed (in the interview with Principe) about enjoying the “best Christmas ever” with his baby and wife, Chloe, would likely be a key part of his memory. The ability to balance personal happiness with professional accomplishment, reuniting with his teammates, and sharing his joy back with his family would make the month even more of a fond memory.

Skinner’s journey in this remarkable month of January 2024 not only showed his great goaltending but also created a story that blended his family moments with his hockey success. As he looks back, these three facets – resilience in high-pressure situations, being part of a team of players that was achieving something special together, and the balance of family and hockey during and after the holidays – would likely be key highlights in his reflections on this extraordinary period.

It’s been a good month for Stuart Skinner and the Edmonton Oilers.

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

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