Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner is having a tough stretch in a down season right now, and NHL goalie analysts have revealed teams are exposing his weakness in lateral movement - and the defence isn't helping.
Goalie analyst Steve Valiquette has previously shared data that Stuart Skinner is the slowest goaltender in the NHL at moving side to side, and now new info shows how teams are taking advantage.
Team targeting rush chances off Edmonton Oilers turnovers
On today's edition of the Hockey PDOcast with Dimitri Filipovic, goalie analyst Kevin Woodley with Clear Sight Analytics revealed Skinner still ranks low in the league at lateral movement, and teams are trying to take advantage by creating quick chances off the rush.
We've spoken about how Stuart Skinner's main issues in the past have been the lateral movement off the rush, right? Kind of getting across. We saw that last night. I'd say all three of the goals were very reflective of his biggest weaknesses as a goalie.- Kevin Woodley
Oilers fans have seen time and again how Skinner reacts slowly to any pass across the zone, especially off the rush. Skinner didn't get over in time to get set and track the shot, and it led to a goal.
Even though Skinner's abilities aren't helping the Oilers in this case, the team can still defend a lot better than they have recently.
The Oilers have been an elite defensive team going back to their cup run last year, but according to Woodley, the Oilers have been hemorrhaging chances of the rush since the new year.
Don't forget, top three defensive team in all categories last year on the way to the cup final. But since January 1, 15th in the NHL in high danger expected goals against, 26th in the NHL in high danger expected goals off the rush.
Edmonton Oilers need to adjust playstyle to shelter Skinner's weakness
Stuart Skinner does have some tough weaknesses that top teams will be aware of and will try to exploit, but Edmonton can play better in front of their goaltender.
Since January, the entire Oilers' defensive group has taken a hit and needs to improve. Bouchard has made some ugly turnovers, Mattias Ekholm has been shut down after playing through issues, and John Klingberg hasn't helped their defensive reputation.
Also, playing in front of a goalie all the time who may be allowing a weak goal at any moment can affect the psychology of the team. As Knoblauch described, it can make a team fragile.
If the Oilers want another shot at the Stanley Cup, they'll need to tighten up defensively, better performances from Stuart Skinner - and they'll have to win in spite of having the second best goalie in every series.
