'Get over the hump': Doug MacLean slams Stuart Skinner for sabotaging Connor McDavid's Stanley Cup dream
'Get over the hump': Doug MacLean slams Stuart Skinner for sabotaging Connor McDavid's Stanley Cup dream (Image via Getty)
The Edmonton Oilers came so close to winning the Stanley Cup this year, but not everyone was happy with how things went. After the final game, one former NHL coach and analyst pointed out a big problem.
His comments focused on the team's goalie, Stuart Skinner, and raised questions about what went wrong behind the scenes.
Doug MacLean
calls out Stuart Skinner for lack of support to
Connor McDavid
Former NHL general manager and coach Doug MacLean discussed the Edmonton Oilers' Stanley Cup Final defeat during a Sportsnet broadcast on June 20, 2025. He stated plainly his viewpoint, saying that goaltender Stuart Skinner did not do enough to back superstar Connor McDavid.
— msports_all (@msports_all)
'It's hard on star players at playoff time to get over the hump,'
MacLean said.
'You need a supporting cast.'
In Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final, conducted on June 18 in Sunrise, Florida, the Oilers lost to the Florida Panthers. Although McDavid had a phenomenal playoff performance with 42 points over 23 games, Skinner was chastised for failing to be dependable in goal.
Although Skinner looked strong sometimes, he also relinquished important objectives at the wrong point. Many fans and analysts believe that his performance made it difficult for McDavid and the rest of the team to stay in control of games.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Free P2,000 GCash eGift
UnionBank Credit Card
Apply Now
Undo
Stuart Skinner's playoff run under heavy pressure
Stuart Skinner, 25, has been the starting goaltender for the Oilers during their recent playoff runs. This postseason, he had an up-and-down performance. In several games, he was pulled and replaced by backup Calvin Pickard.
Despite the pressure, Skinner stayed calm in interviews. But after Doug MacLean's comments, the focus is now fully on him. MacLean's words reminded fans that even the best players like Connor McDavid can't win alone.
They need help from the back, especially from the goaltender.
Also Read: '
We Need Some Different Players': Edmonton Oilers GM Stan Bowman Hints Stuart Skinner And Calvin Pickard May Be Out After Stanley Cup Loss
Connor McDavid did everything he could, including scoring and assisting in clutch moments. But without steady defense and goaltending, it wasn't enough.
Skinner's save percentage dropped to .893 in the Final, while Florida's goalie Sergei Bobrovsky stood strong with .912.
The Oilers now head into the offseason thinking about changes. Will they trust Skinner again next season? Or will they look for someone new to help McDavid win his first Stanley Cup?
Follow all the live updates, scores, and highlights from the
India vs England Test match here
.
Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
36 minutes ago
- Time of India
IND vs ENG: 'No one expected him to do that' - Who said what about Rishabh Pant's somersault celebration?
Rishabh Pant's celebration after ton against England (AP Photo/Scott Heppell) NEW DELHI: Rishabh Pant has never been one to stick to the script, and he proved that once again at Headingley with a celebration as electrifying as his innings. After notching up his seventh Test century in classic Pant style, charging down the track and launching Shoaib Bashir over deep midwicket for a towering six, the India vice-captain stunned fans and teammates alike with a surprise somersault celebration. The move, equal parts flamboyant and athletic, quickly set social media ablaze and became the highlight of Day 2 of the first Test between India and England. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! While Pant's acrobatics wowed viewers, they also drew amused and admiring reactions from former cricketers and teammates. Dinesh Karthik , speaking on the broadcast, quipped, "Neither could I do the somersault like him, nor can I bat like him. When I was very young, my parents made me try gymnastics, and I was an utter failure. So let's just leave it there because he's doing it so much nicer when he celebrates it." Former head coach Ravi Shastri also praised Pant's unexpected flair: 'At a very young age, he did a lot of gymnastics. He does it really well. I think it was unique. No one expected him to do that. Nothing wrong with it — though if I tried it, I'd probably end up in a swimming pool!' Cheteshwar Pujara , typically reserved, summed it up simply: 'Rishabh being Rishabh. He does something unique.' Yashasvi Jaiswal credits Shubman Gill after maiden Test ton in England: 'I love it' Pant's celebration mirrored one he had pulled off during the IPL earlier this year, but seeing it on the Test stage added a new level of surprise. His innings — a blistering 102 off 146 balls with 10 boundaries and four sixes — came at a crucial time, forging a 209-run partnership with Shubman Gill (147) to push India beyond the 400-run mark. As fans marveled at the shot-making, it was the flip that stole the spotlight — a moment that perfectly encapsulated Pant's spirit: fearless, fun, and fiercely unforgettable. Follow all the live updates, scores, and highlights from the India vs England Test match here . Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
MLC 2025: Washington Freedom edge past MI New York in tight finish
Mark Chapman and Ian Holland of Washington Freedom celebrate (Photo by Shaun Roy / Sportzpics for MLC) Washington Freedom held their nerve to clinch a thrilling two-wicket win over MI New York in a high-scoring contest. Chasing 189, Freedom were always ahead of the required rate but kept losing wickets at regular intervals, which kept MI New York in the hunt till the end. The chase was laid on a solid platform by opener Mitchell Owen, who came out all guns blazing. Owen smashed a blistering 60 off just 26 balls, hammering five fours and five sixes to put his side in command early on. After his departure, Rachin Ravindra (10) and Andries Gous (14) chipped in with quick runs, but Freedom's middle order struggled to build partnerships. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Mark Chapman's composed knock of 45 not out off 32 balls proved decisive in the end. Despite losing partners at the other end with Maxwell (16) and Jack Edwards (30) falling cheaply — Chapman kept his cool and guided Freedom home with four balls to spare. 01:27 MLC 2025: Faf du Plessis on why cricket's American dream is just getting started Earlier, MI New York posted a competitive 188 for 4. Michael Bracewell top-scored with an unbeaten 42 off 24 balls, while Quinton de Kock cracked a quickfire 55 off 34. Pooran and Monank Patel also contributed useful runs, but Owen's impact was not limited to batting alone, he also struck with the ball, picking up Monank Patel's wicket. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Scam Exposed: What They Won't Tell You about zero trust! Expertinspector Click Here Undo Quiz: Who's that IPL player? In the end, Freedom huffed and puffed but got the job done, sealing a two-wicket win to continue their strong run. Brief Scores: MI New York 188/4 (Quinton de Kock 55, Michael Bracewell 42*; Mitchell Owen 1/29) Washington Freedom 189/8 in 19.2 overs (Mitchell Owen 60, Mark Chapman 45*; Trent Boult 2/38, Naveen-ul-Haq 2/28) Washington Freedom won by 2 wickets. Follow all the live updates, scores, and highlights from the India vs England Test match here . Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
'Suja diya maar maar ke!' Rishabh Pant's hilarious stump mic moment goes viral
Rishabh Pant (Photo by) NEW DELHI: Team India's vice-captain Rishabh Pant lit up Day 2 of the Headingley Test not just with his bat, but also with his words. In a now-viral video, Pant was caught on the stump mic saying, 'Suja diya yaar maar maar ke, ek hi jagah maare ja raha hai' — roughly translating to, 'He's made me swollen, man, just by hitting the same spot again and again!' The comment, directed at partner Ravindra Jadeja , came right after an aggressive phase of his innings. Watch: Ironically, Pant was dismissed on the very next ball, pinned lbw by Josh Tongue after shouldering arms to a delivery that nipped back sharply. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Despite the dismissal, Pant's 134 (off 178 balls) was a masterclass in controlled aggression, featuring fearless strokeplay and tactical brilliance. Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar later praised Pant's unusual 'falling paddle sweep', calling it 'intentional and extremely clever'. Poll Was Rishabh Pant's dismissal a turning point in the match? Yes, definitely Possibly Not really No, it didn't matter According to the legendary batter, the shot allowed Pant to scoop the ball with precision over leg slip, especially effective against Bashir. Tendulkar also pointed out the strategic mid-over conversations in Hindi between Shubman Gill and Pant, suggesting they were designed to disrupt the young spinner's rhythm. Yashasvi Jaiswal credits Shubman Gill after maiden Test ton in England: 'I love it' Gill and Pant's 209-run stand was the cornerstone of India's imposing 471-run total, following Yashasvi Jaiswal's fluent 101. Gill's composed 147 and Pant's flamboyant ton put England's attack under severe pressure -- until both fell within quick succession, triggering a collapse. While India lost their last seven wickets for just 41 runs, Jasprit Bumrah ensured they stayed in command with a three-wicket burst, including the vital scalp of Joe Root. But Ollie Pope 's gritty unbeaten 100 kept England in the game at 209/3. Follow all the live updates, scores, and highlights from the India vs England Test match here . Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
