The Edmonton Oilers believe their second straight Stanley Cup Final loss to the Florida Panthers will help them bounce back faster this time around.
Stuart Skinner said the team’s experience from losing to Florida in 2023 prepared them better for handling this year’s disappointment.
“I think going through it the first time, you go through that experience in the summer and then you realize the things you did well and the things you didn’t do well. Going through it a second time, which is obviously devastating, but being able to say you went through this does actually help you get over it quicker, just because you have to go back into training and do it all over again.”
The quote came from NHL.com’s Derek Van Diest.
The Panthers eliminated Edmonton in six games this past June. Skinner struggled during the Final, posting an .861 save percentage and 3.80 goals-against average.
His playoff run was a roller coaster.
The 26-year-old lost his starting job to Calvin Pickard in the first round. He bounced back with a .931 save percentage and three shutouts in rounds two and three before faltering again in the Final.
Edmonton plans to use the same goaltending tandem next season. Skinner said he’s learned from last summer’s mistakes in his recovery approach.
“I think I got back on the ice a little too quick last summer, talking about the experience part again. Going into the season, I want to be as fresh as I can, as strong as I can.”
Skinner posted a 26-18-4 record with an .896 save percentage during the 2024-25 regular season. The third-round pick from 2017 has spent his entire career in Edmonton’s organization.
He enters the final year of his contract in 2025-26.
The Oilers made mostly depth moves this offseason. They acquired Andrew Mangiapane, Curtis Lazar, and prospect Isaac Howard.
Edmonton also traded Evander Kane to the Vancouver Canucks. They lost Corey Perry and Connor Brown in free agency.
