Latest news with #StuartSkinner
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11 hours ago
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Dallas Stars re-sign Matt Duchene to a 4-year, $18 million contract
Dallas Stars' Matt Duchene (95) and Edmonton Oilers' Zach Hyman (18) battle for the puck during the second period of Game 3 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Western Conference finals in Edmonton, Alberta, Sunday, May 25, 2025. (Jason Franson/The Canadian Press via AP) Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner (74) moves the puck as Dallas Stars center Matt Duchene (95) close in during the third period in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals in the NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoffs Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/LM Otero) Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner (74) moves the puck as Dallas Stars center Matt Duchene (95) close in during the third period in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals in the NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoffs Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/LM Otero) Dallas Stars' Matt Duchene (95) and Edmonton Oilers' Zach Hyman (18) battle for the puck during the second period of Game 3 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Western Conference finals in Edmonton, Alberta, Sunday, May 25, 2025. (Jason Franson/The Canadian Press via AP) Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner (74) moves the puck as Dallas Stars center Matt Duchene (95) close in during the third period in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals in the NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoffs Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/LM Otero) FRISCO, Texas (AP) — The Dallas Stars have re-signed forward Matt Duchene to a four-year contract worth $18 million. General manager Jim Nill announced the deal Thursday. Duchene will count $4.5 million against the salary cap through the 2028-29 season. Advertisement 'We are thrilled to have Matt back with our organization,' Nill said in a statement. 'As our team's leading scorer last season, he helped to solidify our forward group while also providing invaluable leadership off the ice and in the community. The fit with Matt and our team has been seamless from the start, and we're looking forward to continuing to pursue our shared goal of bringing a championship to Dallas.' Duchene was a point-a-game scorer — exactly 82 in 82 — in his second season with Dallas. He had just one goal and five assists in 16 playoff games as the Stars reached the Western Conference final before losing to Edmonton. Now 34, Duchene is going into his 17th season in the NHL. He previously played for Colorado, Columbus, Ottawa and Nashville since making his debut in 2009. ___ AP NHL:
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a day ago
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Stuart Skinner to start Game 6 of Stanley Cup final with Oilers facing elimination
FORT LAUDERDALE — Stuart Skinner is getting the call with his team's season on the line. The Oilers goaltender will start Tuesday in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup final against the Florida Panthers with Edmonton facing elimination in the NHL's title series. Advertisement "Definitely know that I have the confidence of my teammates and the coaching staff," Skinner said after the morning skate. "There's obviously a lot of belief." Skinner was pulled in Game 4 after allowing three goals on 17 shots in the first period. Calvin Pickard took over and made 22 saves the rest of the in the Oilers' 5-4 overtime victory. The veteran journeyman got the net in Game 5, surrendering four goals on 18 shots in Florida's 5-2 win that moved the Panthers within one victory of the team's second straight Cup win after topping Edmonton in seven last June. "It might sound weird … I felt like I played well," Skinner said of Game 4. "But sometimes that happens. It's just life. Especially as a goalie, it can be hard sometimes." Advertisement The Edmonton product is 7-3 in these playoffs with an .891 save percentage and 2.99 goals-against average. The Oilers are set to make two other lineup changes, with winger Kasperi Kapanen coming in for Viktor Arvidsson and John Klingberg suiting up in place of Troy Stecher on defence. Game 7, if necessary, would be Friday in Edmonton. Kapanen, who sat out Game 5, has three goals and three assists for six points in 11 contests this post-season. "Can get in on the forecheck, can make a play," Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch said. "When he's dialled in, he's a really good hockey player." Advertisement Klingberg re-enters the fray after sitting out Games 4 and 5. The blueliner has one goal and three assists in 18 playoff contests as part of Edmonton's run to the final Knoblauch added that he expects forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, who missed Monday's practice and Tuesday's on-ice session with an undisclosed injury, to play in Game 6. Skinner, meanwhile, was also benched in the first round with Edmonton down 2-0 to the Los Angeles Kings. Pickard took over and won six straight starts before getting hurt in Game 2 of the second round against the Vegas Golden Knights, which opened the door for Skinner. "He's done it for numerous years in a row now," Oilers centre Leon Draisaitl said of Skinner. "We went to Game 7 in the Stanley Cup final last year. He was amazing in the playoffs. He's had incredible games this year. There's just a trust factor that we know that he can get the job done for us. Advertisement "He was amazing in the first period (of Game 4) … it was us that let him down. We have full belief in him." Oilers forward Adam Henrique has been impressed with Skinner's mental makeup and ability to bounce back. "That's a pressure-packed position," he said. "We've talked a lot about the emotions through the season and playoffs and how much of a roller-coaster it can be. And in that position, even more. He always seems to just be calm, cool, collected." Skinner backstopped Edmonton to series victories over the Vegas Golden Knights and Dallas Stars to help the Oilers reach their second straight final. Advertisement "Stu's been in a lot of high-pressure games," Knoblauch said. "You look at the amount of elimination games he's played in — I think there were six last year — and every single game he played in were really solid, if not spectacular, performances. "When the season's on the line, we have a lot of confidence in him." This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 17, 2025. Joshua Clipperton, The Canadian Press
New York Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
What changes could help Edmonton Oilers return to Stanley Cup Final again?
Edmonton Oilers general manager Stan Bowman is looking at an active summer. The last remnants of the Ken Holland era burned out Tuesday night in Sunrise, Fla., just as dusk arrived in the city of Edmonton. Contracts for Connor McDavid and Evan Bouchard will be top priority, and the postseason has exposed some areas of weakness. Several contracts, including some with no-movement clauses, will have to be moved out by trade or buyout. Advertisement Here's a quick and early glance at what the Oilers may look to add between now and training camp in the fall. During the regular season, Edmonton's five-on-five save percentage (.903) was the subject of concern for Oilers fans. The team's GA-60 (2.52) was in range with expected GA-60 (2.37), but was one of the few areas of the game where Edmonton ranked in the lower third of the NHL (No. 23). In the playoffs, both Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard had successful runs in net, and the club's five-on-five save percentage ranked in the top half of the league's postseason teams. It's an area Bowman may want to upgrade this summer. The problem? There's not much in free agency that looks like a clear upgrade. Chris Johnston at The Athletic lists Jake Allen (No. 12) and Alex Lyon (No. 37) as his top free agents at the position for 2025. Johnston's trade list includes one strong possibility (Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson) and another less likely option (Elvis Merzlikins of the Columbus Blue Jackets). One target that has potential and high risk is Boston Bruins starter Jeremy Swayman. He's coming off a subpar season, has a no-movement clause and the cap hit ($8.25 million) would require a massive roster overhaul for the Oilers to acquire. That's before we get into a discussion about what Bowman would need to send the other way to complete the deal. Is it possible the Oilers run it back with Skinner and Pickard? Seems unlikely. Rachel Doerrie of Betalytics was a guest on the Lowdown on Monday. She spoke about the Panthers' roster and the absence of inefficient contracts. The Florida tax situation helps the two teams who play in the state, but Edmonton's long list of contracts with partial or complete no-movement clauses must be culled by Bowman. Advertisement Many fans believe Viktor Arvidsson and Adam Henrique will be dealt in the offseason, and buyouts are possible if trades can't be found. There are rumours everywhere suggesting the club is close to signing veteran winger Trent Frederic long-term, and that may allow Bowman to deal Evander Kane over the summer. If Bowman can offload Arvidsson and Henrique, moving Kane (who has had a significant impact in the playoffs) may not be necessary. The most inefficient contract on the Oilers roster belongs to Darnell Nurse. He's in the middle of an eight-year deal with an annual average value of $9.25 million. He has a no-movement clause that relaxes in 2027 (10-team no-trade list at that time), and it's unlikely the player would waive before then. Nurse's deal was signed by Ken Holland in the days after the Seth Jones contract, while Oscar Klefbom's future was also in doubt. Contracts for top defencemen signed after Nurse have made his deal less of an outlier, but most of the defenders signed to big money bring more offence. Bowman may want to at least pursue the idea this summer or next, with an eye to using the $9.25 million in cap on two efficient contracts. The Oilers arrived at the end of a long season and playoff run with several players who were not 100 percent healthy. The roster carried a large number of older veterans with hundreds of NHL games on each resume. Some of those players signed value deals in an effort to win the Stanley Cup, with Corey Perry delivering an exceptional regular season and playoff run. When Zach Hyman went down to injury late in the series against the Dallas Stars, the team's skill and speed on the wings was left wanting. Here's a list of the wingers deployed by Edmonton coaches during the final: Matt Savoie, Edmonton's top prospect, is a right winger whose foot speed landed him near the top (92nd percentile) of the league during the regular season. No one can suggest that coach Kris Knoblauch should have used him during this year's playoffs, but one year from now, after a season in the NHL on a top line, Savoie might be able to deliver the goals that Arvidsson and Jeff Skinner were unable to during the postseason. Advertisement Skinner is an example of what can happen to veterans who wear down or get nicked up. During the regular season, NHL Edge tracked him at 35.35 KPH, just slightly below average. He was far off that pace in the playoffs. The Oilers up the middle have extreme speed, featuring McDavid (98th percentile) and Draisaitl (94th percentile). A young, fast winger like Savoie would be an inexpensive skill option for next season. He would have enough experience during the regular year to be trusted in the 2026 postseason. The Oilers need an infusion of youth, and based on the scoring by Edmonton's wingers in the playoffs, scoring ability is also a must. The Ken Holland era ended in Florida on Wednesday night. Edmonton lost for the second year in a row in the final versus the Panthers. Fans will want change, and Bowman should look for opportunities in specific areas. The Oilers looked old in the final, and many of the foundation pieces were injured (we know about Hyman and Ekholm; fans should prepare for a long list in the days to come). Bowman may shop for help in goal, another scoring winger, a puck mover with speed who can retrieve and outlet in a hurry and a healthy dose of youth. His main priority is signing McDavid to an extension. Beyond that, prepare for loud noises. The Stan Bowman era begins now. It is time for change. (Photo of Connor McDavid and Jeremy Swayman: Perry Nelson / Imagn Images)
Yahoo
2 days ago
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What was up with the goalie stare down before Game 4? Panthers' Vanecek, Oilers' Pickard explain
It's not every day goaltender warmup routines become a story. But it certainly became one in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final. As the teams took the ice pregame at Amerant Bank Arena on Thursday, Florida Panthers backup goaltender Vitek Vanecek locked eyes with Edmonton Oilers starter Stuart Skinner at the red line between the team's benches. Eventually, Edmonton's Calvin Pickard got in on the fun as well, making it a two-on-one stare down before they ultimately went their separate ways. So ... what exactly happened? 'I was just doing my routine,' Vanecek said, 'and then [Pickard] said 'if I want to go stretch with him.' I said 'no, I'm good, I like this side.'' Has this always been Vanecek's routine? 'It's a new one,' he said. 'For this series.' Pickard, who entered in relief for Skinner following the first period on Thursday, confirmed that's how things unfolded. 'It's nothing,' Pickard said. 'I just went over there asking, because he's just, I don't know, I think he's trying to get into [Skinner's] head. But it really wasn't anything. Obviously, the cameras, you can't hide out there. You guys are making it be a bit of a story, but I was just asking if he wanted to stretch next to me. He said, 'No.' I said, 'That's OK.'' Vanecek was able to appreciate how Pickard handled himself after being thrust into Game 4. Florida built a 3-0 lead against Skinner in the first period before Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch made the change. Pickard then went on to stop 22 of 23 shots he faced as Edmonton rallied to win 5-4 in overtime. 'It's always tough. He's an old guy, a lot of experience, and then he come into the game. He played great. I think that's something special for him.' Pickard will be back in net for Edmonton for Game 5 on Saturday at Edmonton's Rogers Place, with the best-of-7 series tied 2-2. Will another stare down ensue? 'I don't have much routine there,' Pickard said. 'I'll be probably facing our end.'
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
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Connor McDavid and the Oilers see season end with 2nd straight Stanley Cup Final loss at Florida
Edmonton Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner (74) stops Florida Panthers' Sam Bennett (9) during the second period in Game 6 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Final in Sunrise, Fla., Tuesday, June 17, 2025. (Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press via AP) Edmonton Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch watches the play from the bench with, from left, Vasily Podkolzin, Leon Draisaitl, Connor McDavid and Corey Perry during the second period in Game 6 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers in Sunrise, Fla., Tuesday, June 17, 2025. (Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press via AP) Edmonton Oilers center Leon Draisaitl (29) skates around after the Florida Panthers score their third goal during second period of Game 6 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Final Tuesday, June 17, 2025, in Sunrise, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) Edmonton Oilers center Leon Draisaitl (29) skates around after the Florida Panthers score their third goal during second period of Game 6 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Final Tuesday, June 17, 2025, in Sunrise, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) Edmonton Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner (74) stops Florida Panthers' Sam Bennett (9) during the second period in Game 6 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Final in Sunrise, Fla., Tuesday, June 17, 2025. (Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press via AP) Edmonton Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch watches the play from the bench with, from left, Vasily Podkolzin, Leon Draisaitl, Connor McDavid and Corey Perry during the second period in Game 6 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers in Sunrise, Fla., Tuesday, June 17, 2025. (Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press via AP) Edmonton Oilers center Leon Draisaitl (29) skates around after the Florida Panthers score their third goal during second period of Game 6 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Final Tuesday, June 17, 2025, in Sunrise, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) Rats, foiled again. Too many slow starts, not enough offense and spotty goaltending left Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers glumly exiting the ice for a second straight June to make way for another Florida Panthers' Stanley Cup celebration. Advertisement A year after a 2-1 loss at Florida in Game 7, the Oilers season came to an end following a 5-1 loss in Game 6 at Florida on Tuesday — with Panthers fans kicking off their toy-rat-tossing festivities with 6:34 left when Sam Reinhart completed his hat trick with his first of two empty-net goals. Edmonton became the third team in the NHL's post-expansion era to lose consecutive Cup Final series appearances. The Oilers joined Boston, which lost to Montreal in both 1977 and '78, and St. Louis, which lost three straight appearances from 1968-70. Edmonton's loss also extended Canada's Cup drought to 32 years. Canadian-based teams are now 0-7 in the final since Montreal won the Cup, beating the Wayne Gretzky-led Los Angeles Kings in five games in 1993. The Oilers were eventually overwhelmed in a series they opened with a 4-3 overtime win in becoming just the 11th of 63 teams to lose the Cup when opening a final with a win at home. Advertisement Slow starts were again an issue on a day Edmonton's Leon Draisaitl opened by saying: 'You still haven't seen our best. We have to get to our game quicker.' Despite out-shooting Florida 10-9 through the first period, Edmonton trailed 2-0. The Oilers were outscored by a combined margin of 13-4 in the opening period this series, with Florida scoring 10 straight since the midway point of the opening period of Game 2. Sam Reinhart's opening goal 4:36 in came on Florida's first shot on net, and after Edmonton's Evan Bouchard wasn't able to control a pass into his mid-section at the Oilers blue line. Reinhart pounced on the loose puck, drove to the net and snapped a shot inside the right post while falling. Skinner got the start after sitting out Game 5, but had little help in front of him in allowing three goals on 23 shots. He finished the series allowing 16 goals on 105 shots in five starts, and looked little like the goalie who entered the final on a 6-1 roll in which he allowed 10 combined goals, with three shutouts. Advertisement Secondary scoring was an issue for an Edmonton team playing without Zach Hyman (broken wrist), who had 16 goals and six assists during last year's playoff run. The Oilers proved over-reliant on Draisaitl and Corey Perry to carry the scoring load. The pair combined to score seven of Edmonton's 17 goals in the series, with Connor McDavid providing a goal and six assists while being swarmed throughout by the relentless Panthers. The Oilers' Cup final record dropped to 5-4, with the team losing its past three appearances — last year and a seven-game series loss to Carolina in 2006. Edmonton last won in 1990, when the Mark Messier-led team won a five-game series over Boston. ___ AP NHL:
