Pittsburgh Hockey Insider has no direct affiliation to the Pittsburgh Penguins, NHL or NHLPA
Stuart Skinner appears to throw shade at the Oilers fanbase
Photo credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Penguins goalie Stuart Skinner was recently interviewed, where it appeared he took subtle shots at the Oilers fanbase when comparing it to his time in Pittsburgh.
More than a month has passed since Edmonton traded Stuart Skinner, Brett Kulak, and a draft pick to Pittsburgh in return for Tristan Jarry.
GM Stan Bowman's bold trade is yet to fully play out, primarily because Jarry has been out with an injury and only recently got back, and has started just four games for the Oilers so far.
What Stuart Skinner recently said that appeared to throw shade at the Oilers fanbase
As for Skinner, a change of scenery appears to be working for him. In a recent exchange with Penguins reporter Kelsey Surmacz, he made a few telling comments that could be taken as a shot at both the Oilers and their fanbase. He had a history of conflict during his time in Edmonton.
"Yeah, it feels great. Definitely a big difference in terms of, kind of, the feelings," Skinner said. "I think here, it's honestly just a great feeling. I feel like everyone's really rooting for you and is really 'all together.' It feels like Pittsburgh is one big family, and we're a very united city.
But just the whole feeling around this room, it's been nothing but positive here. It's been really, honestly - again - just family-oriented. It's just been really enjoyable, and I already kind of forget what it was like in Edmonton."
- Stuart Skinner
But just the whole feeling around this room, it's been nothing but positive here. It's been really, honestly - again - just family-oriented. It's just been really enjoyable, and I already kind of forget what it was like in Edmonton."
- Stuart Skinner
Why Stuart Skinner's play is likely making Dan Muse happy
Since arriving in Pittsburgh, the 27-year-old has posted a 4-4-0 record with a 2.42 GAA and .902 SV% in eight starts. While far from exciting, the numbers are maybe what Penguins head coach Dan Muse is looking for.
There's no escaping the contrast between these two squads. The Penguins are fighting just to remain in the running for a spot in the post-season, while the Oilers are legitimately vying for a Stanley Cup.
They will meet again in Edmonton next Thursday. Skinner is expected to get a warm reception despite his recent remarks.
His performance and what this season, and perhaps even the summer, have in store for him will be one of the stories to follow for both teams.
Also read on HockeyUnplugged :
Pittsburgh Penguins plans change abruptly at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex
Pittsburgh Penguins plans change abruptly at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 16 | 155 ANSWERS Stuart Skinner appears to throw shade at the Oilers fanbase Do you believe Stuart Skinner threw shade at the Oilers fans? | ||
| Yes | 78 | 50.3 % |
| No | 77 | 49.7 % |
| List of polls | ||