'Get over the hump': Doug MacLean slams Stuart Skinner for sabotaging Connor McDavid's Stanley Cup dream
'Get over the hump': Doug MacLean slams Stuart Skinner for sabotaging Connor McDavid's Stanley Cup dream (Image via Getty)
The Edmonton Oilers came so close to winning the Stanley Cup this year, but not everyone was happy with how things went. After the final game, one former NHL coach and analyst pointed out a big problem.
His comments focused on the team's goalie, Stuart Skinner, and raised questions about what went wrong behind the scenes.
Doug MacLean
calls out Stuart Skinner for lack of support to
Connor McDavid
Former NHL general manager and coach Doug MacLean discussed the Edmonton Oilers' Stanley Cup Final defeat during a Sportsnet broadcast on June 20, 2025. He stated plainly his viewpoint, saying that goaltender Stuart Skinner did not do enough to back superstar Connor McDavid.
— msports_all (@msports_all)
'It's hard on star players at playoff time to get over the hump,'
MacLean said.
'You need a supporting cast.'
In Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final, conducted on June 18 in Sunrise, Florida, the Oilers lost to the Florida Panthers. Although McDavid had a phenomenal playoff performance with 42 points over 23 games, Skinner was chastised for failing to be dependable in goal.
Although Skinner looked strong sometimes, he also relinquished important objectives at the wrong point. Many fans and analysts believe that his performance made it difficult for McDavid and the rest of the team to stay in control of games.
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Stuart Skinner's playoff run under heavy pressure
Stuart Skinner, 25, has been the starting goaltender for the Oilers during their recent playoff runs. This postseason, he had an up-and-down performance. In several games, he was pulled and replaced by backup Calvin Pickard.
Despite the pressure, Skinner stayed calm in interviews. But after Doug MacLean's comments, the focus is now fully on him. MacLean's words reminded fans that even the best players like Connor McDavid can't win alone.
They need help from the back, especially from the goaltender.
Also Read: '
We Need Some Different Players': Edmonton Oilers GM Stan Bowman Hints Stuart Skinner And Calvin Pickard May Be Out After Stanley Cup Loss
Connor McDavid did everything he could, including scoring and assisting in clutch moments. But without steady defense and goaltending, it wasn't enough.
Skinner's save percentage dropped to .893 in the Final, while Florida's goalie Sergei Bobrovsky stood strong with .912.
The Oilers now head into the offseason thinking about changes. Will they trust Skinner again next season? Or will they look for someone new to help McDavid win his first Stanley Cup?
Follow all the live updates, scores, and highlights from the
India vs England Test match here
.
Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
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