Stuart Skinner Injury Update: Edmonton Oilers goaltender ruled out after concussion scare

The Edmonton Oilers are seeing their worst days. Having already lost Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid to the injured list, the team now took another severe hit when Stuart Skinner received a brutal hit on the head when they lost to the Dallas Stars 4-3. The Oilers' goalie was in a harrowing collision during the third period when Dallas Stars forward Mikko Rantanen inadvertently slammed his knee into Skinner's head. Even wearing his helmet, the blow was hard enough to raise immediate alarm.

Kris Knoblauch verifies that Stuart Skinner won't accompany the team

Coach Kris Knoblauch didn't hesitate when asked for a report after the game. “I anticipate not to travel (with the team),” Knoblauch said in a stark suggestion that the goalie is suffering from a serious concussion.

This is the second consecutive contest in which Skinner took an injury, but that one appears much worse. Though he was able to leave the ice and skate with support, his head was jolted severely to the side on contact, and concerns for his health were raised.

With the Stanley Cup Playoffs looming, the Oilers are in a bind. They're already without Draisaitl, McDavid, and backup goalie Calvin Pickard, so their depth is severely tested. Even in defeat, Knoblauch was complimentary of his team's play and was 'very pleased' with how they played in the first and third periods. But the reality is brutal—without Draisaitl and McDavid on the attack, Edmonton's offense couldn't crack Dallas' defense.

Leon Draisaitl's near return, Connor McDavid's timetable unclear

There was a little silver lining ahead of the game, as Draisaitl was seen working with the team. Knoblauch gave fans some hope for his return. “Both are not playing tonight. Leon will be back sooner than Connor. We are looking at a week or maybe shorter than that for Leon. Connor will be longer than that,” she added.

And with Skinner now out, Edmonton's goaltending picture only gets cloudier. And with forward Trent Frederic also weeks away from entering the lineup, the Oilers will have to reach deep to remain competitive over the stretch run before the playoffs.

Also read: “Things are happening and I don’t have a lot of control over it” - Stuart Skinner opens about backlash

With all this, all eyes are on the questions—can the Oilers weather this tough stretch and still have a deep playoff push?




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