Oilers fans optimistic Stuart Skinner can perform in Game 3 return to net

Not exactly the news Oilers fans wanted to wake up to ahead of Saturday’s crucial Game 3 showdown. Head Coach Kris Knoblauch confirmed in his pre-game presser that Calvin Pickard is day-to-day, meaning Stuart Skinner will step into the spotlight and start between the pipes against the Golden Knights.

While plenty around Oilersnation were eager to see Pickard take the ice, others are fired up, ready to rally behind Skinner and see him seize this moment. Here’s how social media exploded with reactions to today’s announcement.

“Stuart Skinner is starting Game 3. Yes, we’d all prefer Calvin Pickard with his recent success, but we gotta have Stu’s back tonight. He’s won before in big moments. C’mon 74.” – OilersAdam via X

“Pickard being out after such a hot run for the Oilers is tough. The hope is Skinner is able to go in and play a strong game. He needs to make it hard for the coaches to turn to Pickard.” – Spud McKenzie via X

“Alright, before everyone loses their minds. I think it’s fair to point out that, should Skinner start, it is a vastly different team in front of him than we saw in games one and two of the Kings series, where they were gifting chances left, right, and centre. He’ll be good tonight.” – Morgan Laidler via X

“It’s okay everyone, Skinner shutout incoming. Just gotta believe. When he’s on it, he’s great.” – Johnm_yeg via Instagram

“We affirm: Skinner is going to play great tonight. He’s going to make so many great saves. He’s going to be MVP. Go Oil!” – Tanjerynstudio via Instagram

“Can’t wait! This is Skinner’s time! Oil are actually playing like a team. He will shut the door!!!” – Grant Amundson via Facebook

“Gotta make some noise for Stuuuu tonight! Hope Picks is alright!” – Banjoguy55 via X

It’s great to see the optimism and confidence behind Stuart Skinner. Sure, it’s tough luck with Pickard’s injury, otherwise, the Oilers might have stuck with the hot hand. But hey, this gives Skinner a chance to step up again and show why he was the guy who helped carry them all the way to the Stanley Cup Final last summer.

“F**k it, Stu legacy game tonight. Let’s get it.” – Austin Hockey YT via X

“The Oil are up against it tonight, winning three in a row is hard, but playing for their goalie can add to the fire they need!” – Karemarko via X

“I believe in Stu!! F**k off with your negativity.” – RPW_1832 via X

On the other hand, plenty are stressed about Stuart Skinner getting the start and many believe it’s unlikely he’ll play to the standard the team needs in order to beat the Golden Knights. 

“JFC. Skinner with his last chance to prove if he’s gonna be gone in the summer or not.” – OilersKickYourAss via X

“This isn’t good news at all. Lol. Was going to buy tickets tonight, but that’s a lot of money to spend for most likely a bad outcome without Pickard in net.” – Jordan Cousins via Facebook

“Never thought I’d be nervous getting the ‘starter’ back in the net, but here I am.” – Rob Berry via Facebook

“Skinner has zero confidence in his game right now. The team has zero confidence in him in the net. Mark my words, if he plays, the whole team plays a different game in front of him, and they lose.” – Travis Campbell via Facebook

Scrolling through social media, I was pleasantly surprised to see so much positivity around Skinner’s upcoming start.

Rival fans might see this as the perfect chance for the Golden Knights to claw their way back into the series, but there’s a quiet confidence among Oilers fans. Yes, there’s pressure on Skinner, no doubt about it. But with Edmonton already holding the series lead, maybe that pressure isn’t as intense as it could be.

Oilers fans are understandably a bit nervous, but they’re also pumped, believing Stuart Skinner can step up, deliver the goods, and help secure that crucial third win against Vegas.