Connor McDavid's Oilers future questioned as Stuart Skinner shares candid take after second Stanley Cup loss to Panthers
The Edmonton Oilers have been living with heartbreak for two consecutive summers. Once again, the Florida Panthers stood in their way, claiming back-to-back Stanley Cup titles at Edmonton's expense.
For goaltender Stuart Skinner, the sting remains, but his offseason mindset reveals growth. 'I think going through it the first time… you realize the things you did well and the things you didn't do well,' Skinner admitted, reflecting on how to move forward.
Oilers' journey defined by Connor McDavid, Stuart Skinner, and missed chances
The Oilers' rise to the Stanley Cup Final in 2025 was fueled by their high-octane offense led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Edmonton's captain has been nothing short of extraordinary, winning multiple Hart Trophies and lifting his team to back-to-back Finals appearances.
Yet, the narrative has been hauntingly similar. Last year, the Oilers forced a dramatic Game 7 despite losing the first three games, only to watch Florida celebrate in 2024.
This time, the series ended in six games, capped by a crushing 5-1 Panthers win.
The difference-maker? Goaltending. While Skinner recorded respectable numbers during the regular season—26 wins, three shutouts, and a 2.81 goals-against average—his playoff struggles resurfaced.
Allowing 19 goals on 137 shots in five Finals appearances left Edmonton searching for answers. Skinner, however, refuses to dwell. 'So going through it a second time, which is obviously devastating, but being able to say you went through this does actually help you get over it quicker, just because you have to go back into training and do it all over again,' he explained, showing the mental resilience needed to bounce back.
Connor McDavid's contract looms over Oilers' future
As the Oilers look ahead, the conversation is no longer just about missed opportunities but also about what comes next for their generational superstar. McDavid enters the final year of his contract, and the weight of securing his long-term future cannot be ignored. For a franchise still chasing its first Stanley Cup since 1990, keeping McDavid at the center of their plans is essential.
The Oilers' path forward hinges on two realities: strengthening their defensive structure and ensuring stability in the crease. With McDavid and Draisaitl powering the attack, Edmonton has the firepower to contend every year. What remains is converting that brilliance into the one prize that has slipped away. Skinner's words hint at painful lessons, but also at a locker room determined not to let heartbreak define them.
Also Read:
Former Penguins star reportedly linked to blockbuster trade discussions with Canadian team amid rising NHL buzz
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India Today
2 hours ago
- India Today
Asia Cup hockey to go on without Pakistan, Rajgir tournament schedule confirmed
The Asian Hockey Federation has confirmed the final schedule for the 12th Asia Cup Hockey, to be held in Rajgir, Bihar, from August 29 to September tournament will take place without former champions Pakistan, who declined to travel to India citing security concerns. Hockey India president Dilip Kumar Tirkey, speaking to ANI on Tuesday, clarified that India was ready to host Pakistan but the team opted out on its Cup is a very important tournament in Asian hockey. Pakistan is not coming due to security reasons. India never refused them; they are refusing to come all by themselves,' Tirkey said. The Indian government had assured visas for the Pakistani players, according to Oman also withdrew from the eight-team competition. Kazakhstan replaced Oman in Pool A alongside India, Japan, and China, while Bangladesh filled Pakistan's spot in Pool B with Malaysia, Korea, and Chinese group stage will be followed by the Super Four round starting on September 3, with the top two teams from each pool participation had been in doubt ever since tensions escalated following the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 people, mostly tourists. In its aftermath, India launched Operation Sindoor to dismantle terror infrastructure across the Asia Cup remains a crucial tournament in the international hockey calendar, offering the winner a direct berth to next year's World Cup in Belgium and the SCHEDULE ASIA CUP HOCKEYFriday, 29 August 202509:00 – M01, Pool B: Malaysia vs Bangladesh11:00 – M02, Pool B: Korea vs Chinese Taipei13:00 – M03, Pool A: Japan vs Kazakhstan15:00 – M04, Pool A: India vs ChinaSaturday, 30 August 202513:00 – M05, Pool B: Bangladesh vs Chinese Taipei15:00 – M06, Pool B: Korea vs MalaysiaSunday, 31 August 202513:00 – M07, Pool A: China vs Kazakhstan15:00 – M08, Pool A: Japan vs IndiaMonday, 1 September 202513:30 – M09, Pool B: Bangladesh vs Korea15:30 – M10, Pool B: Malaysia vs Chinese Taipei17:30 – M11, Pool A: China vs Japan19:30 – M12, Pool A: India vs KazakhstanTuesday, 2 September 2025 – Rest DayWednesday, 3 September 202514:30 – M13, 5/8th Place: 3rd Pool A vs 4th Pool B17:00 – M14, Super4s: TBC vs TBC19:30 – M15, Super4s: TBC vs TBCThursday, 4 September 202514:30 – M16, 5/8th Place: 3rd Pool B vs 4th Pool A17:00 – M17, Super4s: TBC vs TBCadvertisement19:30 – M18, Super4s: TBC vs TBCFriday, 5 September 2025 – Rest DaySaturday, 6 September 202514:30 – M19, 7/8th Place: Loser M13 vs Loser M1617:00 – M20, Super4s: TBC vs TBC19:30 – M21, Super4s: TBC vs TBCSunday, 7 September 202514:30 – M22, 5/6th Place: Winner M13 vs Winner M1617:00 – M23, 3/4th Place: 3rd Super4s Pool vs 4th Super4s Pool19:30 – M24, Final: 1st Super4s Pool vs 2nd Super4s PoolOn Wednesday, Hockey India named an 18-member squad, led by veteran drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh.- Ends
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
Matthew Tkachuk injury update: Florida Panthers star misses Team USA's Olympic Orientation Camp amid surgery uncertainty
Surgery delay rules Matthew Tkachuk out of Team USA camp (Image via: Getty Images) Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk has become the biggest talking point of the offseason after his name was left off Team USA's Olympic Orientation Camp roster. The 27-year-old, one of the NHL's most dynamic forwards, continues to deal with serious injuries and delayed surgery, raising doubts over his availability for both the Florida Panthers and the 2026 Winter Olympics. Matthew Tkachuk confirms major injuries that threaten his Olympic timeline Tkachuk stunned reporters during the Stanley Cup Final when he admitted he had been playing through a completely torn adductor muscle and a sports hernia. Despite the pain, he powered through 23 playoff games, tallying 23 points and leading Florida to their second straight Stanley Cup. But while his grit drew admiration, the long-term consequences are now unavoidable. On August 19, USA Hockey released its 44-man camp roster, but Tkachuk's name was missing. This came as a surprise, considering he had already been announced among the first six players guaranteed to represent Team USA in the 2026 Winter Olympics alongside Auston Matthews, Jack Eichel, Brady Tkachuk, Quinn Hughes, and Charlie McAvoy. His omission is believed to be linked to the surgery he still hasn't undergone. Matthew Tkachuk's surgery setback raises doubts about 2026 Olympics NHL insider reports suggest Tkachuk postponed his surgery, partly due to his wedding in July. If he undergoes the procedure later this summer, he could be placed on long-term injured reserve (LTIR), forcing him to miss a significant portion of the 2025–26 NHL season. While the Panthers could use LTIR relief to manage cap space, the bigger concern is his availability for international duty with Team USA. For Florida, Tkachuk's absence would be a major blow. He is the emotional heartbeat of the franchise, combining physicality with elite scoring ability. For Team USA, his uncertain timeline complicates Olympic preparations, even though his spot in the squad remains secure. His absence from camp, however, suggests officials are bracing for the possibility of limited availability. Also Read: Stuart Skinner's wife Chloe shares family holiday photos featuring son Beau posing with snake Off the ice, Tkachuk has had a memorable summer, gracing the cover of EA Sports NHL 26 with brother Brady and father Keith, and tying the knot with Ellie Connell. But the spotlight remains firmly on his health, with fans, the Panthers, and Team USA awaiting clarity on when he finally undergoes surgery. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
News18
6 hours ago
- News18
Neeraj Chopra To Skip Last Meeting In Brussels Having Already Assured of Diamond League Final Slot
Last Updated: Neeraj Chopra will skip the Brussels Diamond League, having qualified for the Finals in Zurich on August 28. He threw 90.23m in Doha and won in Paris with 88.16m. Star Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra will skip the final leg of the prestigious Diamond League series in Brussels, Belgium, on Friday, as he has already qualified for the Diamond League Finals. Out of the 14 Diamond League meetings, only four include the men's javelin throw. Chopra participated in just two of these but still secured a spot in the Finals, which will be held in Zurich, Switzerland, on August 28. He had also skipped the Silesia leg on August 16. At 27 years old, Chopra, the reigning world champion, threw an impressive 90.23m at the Doha Diamond League in May, surpassing the coveted 90m mark but finishing second behind Germany's Julian Weber. He clinched victory at the Paris Diamond League in June with a throw of 88.16m. The top six after the Brussels leg will advance to the Finals in Zurich. Chopra's last competitive event was the NC Classic on July 5 in Bengaluru, where he threw 86.18m to win the title at the event he hosted. This season, he has competed in six events, winning four times and finishing second twice. When Will Neeraj Chopra Be In Action Next? The Final is a winner-takes-all event, with the champion in each of the 32 events crowned as the Diamond League champion. Each champion receives the iconic Diamond Trophy and a wild card for the World Athletics Championships. The men's javelin event will take place on August 28, with the winner receiving a trophy and USD 30,000 in prize money. The second-place finisher will get USD 12,000, and the third-place finisher will earn USD 7,000. This year, winners of eight specific events will receive enhanced prize money. These events are the men's 100m, men's 1500m, men's 400m hurdles, men's pole vault, women's 100m, women's 100m hurdles, women's 3000m, and women's long jump. In these events, the winner will receive USD 50,000, while the second and third-place finishers will earn USD 20,000 and USD 10,000, respectively. view comments First Published: August 20, 2025, 15:39 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Loading comments...
