Edmonton Oilers practice comes to an early end a goaltender lashes out in frustration, leaves ice

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Matt Garland
November 4, 2023 (8:50)

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The Edmonton Oilers are in the midst of one the worst starts in franchise history. Following Edmonton's 4-3 loss to the Dallas Stars on Thursday, the Oilers record now sits at 2-6-1. Only the Calgary Flames and San Jose Sharks have worse records in the NHL.

Going into the year it was «Cup or Bust», but now fans are wondering if this team is good enough to make the playoffs.

During Friday's practice TSN's Ryan Rishaug reported that goalie Stuart Skinner was visibly upset when he smashed his stick on the goal post in frustration and left the ice. It wasn't clear if the session was over as Rishaug pointed out that there were still some drills happening.

Both of Edmonton's goalie have struggled out of the gate. Skinner has a 1-3-1 record, posting a 3.62 GAA and .861 save percentage. Fellow netminder Jack Campbell has been worse posting a whopping 4.35 GAA and .878 save percentage.

Captain Connor McDavid missed two games with an upper-body injury and since coming back hasn't looked 100%. In 7 games McDavid has scored 2 goals and 9 points which are good but more is expected when talking about the best player in the NHL who is coming off a 153 point campaign last season.

25 year old, Skinner was a Calder trophy finalist last season with a record of 29-14-5, posting a 2.75 GAA and .914 save percentage. Unfortunately Skinner hasn't been able to carry his play over to this season.

Luckily for Skinner and the Oilers there is still plenty of runway left in the season to turn things around. It will start on Saturday when Edmonton takes on the Nashville Predators in a matinee game.