Question from reporter prompts Oilers’ Stuart Skinner to seek advice on Stars’ snipers from John Klingberg

“I’m really glad you asked that question because now that’s exactly what I’ll do,” Skinner responded. “I’m gonna have a convo with Klinger after this, so thank you.”

Ironically, the question came from DLLS Sports reporter Sam Nestler, who immediately realized a potential error in his decision.

Klingberg, who played eight years in Dallas, isn’t the only former Star on the Oilers roster. Centre Mattias Janmark spent the first four seasons of his NHL career with Kingberg in the Lone Star State, including helping the team make it to the Stanley Cup Final in 2020. Also on that team was forward Corey Perry, though the COVID-shortened season was his only season with the Stars.

While names like Tyler Seguin, Miro Heiskanen, Jamie Benn, and Roope Hintz were still around the Stars locker room from the previously mentioned trio’s time there, Dallas has seen plenty of turnaround over the past half-decade. So, maybe pointers from Klingberg and company might do little good for the Oilers’ backstop.

Then again, who knows if Skinner will need any additional tips about the Stars. Edmonton is very familiar with this rendition of the team from Texas, as it was Skinner who outdueled Stars netminder Jake Oettinger in the Western Final last year. The Oilers win the series in six games, clinching a berth in the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in 18 years.

Skinner has had a similar tale this year as in the spring of 2024. A couple of bad games against the Los Angeles Kings led to him surrendering the net to Calvin Pickard. However, after Pickard went down with an injury in Round 2 against the Vegas Golden Knights, Skinner rose to the occasion, posting shutouts in Games 3 and 4 to send the Oilers to the conference finals for the third time in four years.

Game 1 of the WCF from Dallas is set for Wednesday night. Puck drop is scheduled for a little after 6 p.m. MT.