EDMONTON — What is more critical at this juncture of the season?
Is it a depleted team that unleashes 87 shots on the Dallas Stars` net, initially trailing 4-0, yet displaying resilience to narrow the gap to 4-3 by the game`s end?
Or is it the Edmonton Oilers` persistent softness throughout the season, highlighted by the injury to their starting goalie, Stuart Skinner? This incident was not the first time a Stars player seemed unafraid to encroach upon Skinner`s crease and make physical contact.
Adding to the concern, Dallas also targeted backup goalie Calvin Pickard. The message seemed clear: why wouldn`t they?
It appears to be open season on Edmonton`s goaltenders, a concerning reflection on a team with veteran leadership.
“I was angry at myself because I didn`t witness what transpired,” admitted Corey Perry, addressing the Oilers’ reaction to protect their goalie. “I was on the ice when Rantanen collided with Skinner.”
“That’s on me. I should never allow such incidents to occur.”
While Rantanen`s action might not have been deliberate, the reality is that when your goalie is injured — and Skinner indeed did not accompany the team to Seattle for Thursday’s game — there`s no time for deliberation or assigning blame in the moment.
