Stuart Skinner heard the noise — and then shut it out.
After a week of being the target for every talk-show rant and online blame game, the Edmonton Oilers’ goaltender delivered a perfect response: a 23-save shutout in a must-win Game 4 against the Vegas Golden Knights.
The 3-0 win puts the Oilers up 3-1 in the series, one step from the Western Conference Final.
“Outside noise? I have no clue what’s going on,” Skinner said after the game. He didn’t need to. His play said everything.
From the opening puck drop, Edmonton played like a team on a mission. They clogged the neutral zone, dominated both ends of the ice, and smothered Vegas’ offense. After three Vegas power plays in the first period came up empty, the Oilers slammed the door for good — just 12 shots allowed over the next two periods.
Evander Kane led the charge physically and on the scoreboard, with a goal, an assist, six hits, and a plus-3 night. Adam Henrique chipped in two goals, while Leon Draisaitl rebounded from a rough Game 3 with a stellar defensive effort, shadowing Jack Eichel into silence.
And Skinner? Calm, locked in, and flawless.
“He’s under pressure every night in this market,” said Henrique. “Tonight, he was lights out.”
The Oilers now have three chances to finish the job. But if they bring this version of their game again, one may be all they need.
Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy summed it up: “They’ve been here before. We’re going to have to do it the hard way.”
The Oilers made it look easy. And Skinner, finally, looked like the guy they can win with.
