The Oilers look like they’ve finally woken up after last week’s ugly 9-1 loss to the Colorado Avalanche. They’ve now won three of their previous four games, their most recent win coming off a 4-3 OT showdown against the Carolina Hurricanes.
Stuart Skinner took most of the heat during Edmonton’s early struggles, considering his season has been up and down. But after Saturday’s win, head coach Kris Knoblauch gave his goalie his flowers.
Oilers HC Kris Knoblauch Highlights’ Stuart Skinner’s Role In Win Vs. Hurricanes
Skinner stopped 33 of 36 shots in the overtime win over Carolina. He now has three straight victories and only one regulation loss in his last eight starts, posting a 5-1-2 record in that stretch, even with a 3.13 GAA and .883 save percentage.
After the game, Knoblauch praised Skinner’s performance, saying the Hurricanes forced Edmonton into mistakes, but Skinner stood tall.
“They force you into mistakes, and we made a few of them, but [Skinner] played a really good, strong game. We had the 2-0 lead, but [Carolina] didn’t fade away at all. The difference tonight (why) we were able to get the two points was that our best players were our best players.”
“I like where it’s trending.”
Coach Knoblauch offers post-game insights following the #Oilers 4-3 overtime victory.@Enterprise | #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/WLqMhpm2h0
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) November 16, 2025
Oilers captain Connor McDavid, who scored two goals and added an assist, also pointed to Skinner as a key reason for the win.
“Stu was great, he gives us a chance to win and did tonight,” he said. “We were taking on water there for a little while, and he was making saves, giving us a chance.” McDavid, now second in league scoring with 30 points, said Skinner kept them afloat during tough stretches of the game.
Leon Draisaitl and Jack Roslovic also found the back of the net, breathing some life into the Oilers’ late push.
Skinner shared his own thoughts afterward, noting how intense and structured the Hurricanes were. He discussed the momentum swings throughout the game and how the Oilers managed to push back, particularly in the second period.
“We’re a really hard team to play against,” Skinner said. “We play a hard-fought game, we grind, we’re able to come up with some big plays at big times. Obviously, we got some amazing talent up front too, so between all that, yeah, we’re definitely scratching and clawing.”
The Oilers now hit the road for a Monday matchup against the Buffalo Sabres.