Dallas Stars' Sam Steel (18) and Jamie Benn (14) celebrate a goal against the Edmonton Oilers during first period NHL action in Edmonton on Tuesday November 25, 2025.
Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner was pulled on Tuesday night after a rough first period against the Dallas Stars, where he allowed four goals in the opening 20 minutes. The early setback forced the Oilers to switch to backup goaltender Calvin Pickard as the second period began.
Stars Strike Early with Offensive Pressure
The Oilers vs. Stars matchup opened with intense pressure from Dallas. Their momentum surged when Jamie Benn struck first at 3:48, scoring his 400th career NHL goal. The milestone energized the Stars and set the tone for the period.
Dallas continued to control the ice, attacking aggressively and exploiting defensive gaps in Edmonton’s zone. Their speed and precision passing put Skinner under constant fire.
Power-Play Success Extends Stars’ Lead
The Stars capitalized on a power-play opportunity midway through the first. At 10:51, Roope Hintz fired one past Skinner, doubling the Stars’ advantage. The Oilers struggled to clear the puck and took time to adjust to Dallas’ relentless offensive bursts.
Just a few minutes later, Nathan Bastian added to Edmonton’s troubles. His goal at 15:24 stretched the lead to 3-0, further fueling Dallas’ momentum on the road.
A Painful Fourth Goal Forces a Change
The most deflating moment for the Oilers came when Sam Steel made it 4-0. Steel slipped behind the defense and tapped in a loose puck after it deflected off the crossbar. Skinner, unable to locate the rebound in time, watched the puck slide into the open net.
The goal capped a tough period for the Edmonton goaltender. Skinner made only four saves before the buzzer ended the first frame.
Oilers Turn to Pickard After Early Collapse
With the Oilers trailing badly, Head Coach Kris Knoblauch opted for a change. Calvin Pickard replaced Skinner at the start of the second period, signaling an effort to reset the team’s defensive structure and shift momentum.
The move marked a rare early pull for Skinner, who has been Edmonton’s primary starter this season.
Skinner’s Season Stats Tell a Different Story
Despite the difficult outing, Stuart Skinner has put together a solid campaign so far. He has appeared in 17 games, posting an 8-6-3 record with a 3.00 goals-against average.
His performance has been key to the Oilers’ push to regain consistency, though Tuesday’s game highlighted ongoing defensive challenges. The Stars’ four-goal burst was less about individual mistakes and more about team-wide breakdowns in coverage, puck support, and transition play.
Stars Shine, Oilers Regroup
The Oilers vs. Stars game showcased Dallas’ depth and offensive sharpness. The Stars executed clean zone entries, won puck battles, and overwhelmed Edmonton’s defense early. Their fast start ultimately forced the Oilers into comeback mode after just one period.
For Edmonton, the focus quickly shifted to stabilizing gameplay with Pickard in net and tightening defensive gaps. The early deficit tested the team’s resilience and ability to respond under pressure.
What’s Next for the Oilers?
As the season continues, the Oilers will look to bounce back and address the defensive lapses that contributed to Skinner’s early exit. Games like this serve as reminders of the importance of structure, communication, and disciplined play—especially against strong opponents like the Stars.
Skinner remains an essential piece of Edmonton’s lineup, and one difficult period is unlikely to change his role moving forward. With the Oilers fighting for playoff positioning, every game offers a chance to rebound, reset, and regain momentum.
