Oilers Edge Out Kings, Goalie Skinner Delivers Standout Performance

Stuart Skinner is congratulated for his second shutout of the NHL 2024 season coming against the Los Angeles Kings

Summary:

  • Oilers defeated the Kings (1-0), marking their sixth in seven games. 
  • Goalie Stuart Skinner made 31 saves, securing his second shutout of the season.
  • Oilers improved to a 27-13-3 record, closing the gap to 4 points behind the division-leading Vegas Golden Knights. 

The Edmonton Oilers edged out the Los Angeles Kings in a thrilling game that felt straight out of the NHL playoffs, with goalie Stuart Skinner delivering a standout performance.

1-0 Victory for Oilers With Help From Skinner 

Skinner turned aside 31 shots to earn his second shutout of the season, leading the Oilers to a 1-0 victory over their Pacific Division rivals on Monday. 

The win marked Edmonton’s sixth in their last seven games, improving their record to 27-13-3 and giving them a four-point cushion over the Kings for second place in the division. 

The Canadians now sit four points behind the Vegas Golden Knights, who lead the Pacific.

Stuart Skinner’s night was defined by key saves, including a spectacular stop early in the game. 

Facing a dangerous two-on-one, Anze Kopitar set up Adrian Kempe for a one-timer, but Skinner stretched out and managed to deflect the puck, which landed atop the net.

It was an amazing pass by Kopitar and then Kempe got a good shot and I just went into a spread and did everything that I could It was kind of an out-of-the-box save, obviously. I got enough for it to go above the net, thank goodness. It was a really good save and just what we needed.

McDavid Scored on His Birthday

Connor McDavid, who scored the game’s only goal on his 28th birthday, praised Skinner for keeping the team in the game while they worked to find their rhythm.

He’s playing great, He was really good early on. That save on the two-on-one really gets us going and helps a lot.”, he added, further describing it as “a huge save”.

The Oilers’ captain went on to say Skinner, who has been in great shape recently, “was solid all night”.

The goalie went 11-3-1 in his last 15 starts, showing remarkable resilience and often bouncing back strong after tough games. 

After games like that (against Pittsburgh), you always want to come back and really bring it and show the guys that you can bounce back.

Edmonton and Los Angeles have been two of the NHL’s hottest teams since late November, and this game was a testament to their rivalry. 

It was very much a playoff game, They’re a heck of a team… I’m really happy we were able to get this win, especially after they beat us last game.

The Kings edged out Edmonton 4-3 in overtime during their only previous matchup in Los Angeles on December 28.

The Oilers came out on top in seven games in 2022, six games in 2023, and five games last spring.

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