The "Skinner Watch" in Pittsburgh continues as goalie Stuart Skinner finds his rhythm with the Penguins. After a rocky start following his trade from the Edmonton Oilers, Skinner has shown significant improvement, silencing doubts about his ability to perform outside of Edmonton.
Initially, the trade seemed questionable as Skinner struggled in his first few starts, leaving fans concerned. However, over the past week, Skinner has transformed into a different goaltender. He is currently on a three-game run, allowing only one goal in each appearance and maintaining a save percentage around .950. If this level of play continues, the December trade could be a major success for Pittsburgh.
The Penguins' recent winning streak isn't solely due to Skinner's performance. Arturs Silovs, the other goalie, has also contributed with four consecutive wins. This "win by committee" approach, where both goalies provide opportunities to win, has been beneficial for the team. Josh Yohe noted Skinner's outstanding performance in a game where the Penguins had a poor first period.
Meanwhile, in Edmonton, the trade remains a topic of discussion. Tristan Jarry, acquired by the Oilers, is currently sidelined due to injury, leaving Calvin Pickard and Connor Ingram to hold down the fort. The "Skinner Watch" will continue as fans debate the trade's merits throughout the 2025-26 season. Back in May, Skinner expressed pride in overcoming his challenges.
