Oilers Rival Loses Star Goalie for Playoffs

EDMONTON — Stuart Skinner finds himself at the center of a lot of questions right now.

The Edmonton Oilers starting goalie has had nine goals scored on him in two games so far in this series against the Los Angeles Kings. Many are asking if there is cause for concern – especially considering how last year’s playoff run went for him.

While the Oilers sort out their goaltending – one of their bitter Pacific Division rivals are potentially losing their star goalie for the rest of the playoffs. Two sources have reported this on X yesterday.

Sara Civian of Bleacher Report – and co-host of the Too Many Men podcast – reported that Thatcher Demko is out for the rest of the playoffs. Then the Empty Netters podcast X account tweeted that they had heard the heard that Demko was done days earlier.

This is no doubt a crushing blow for the Canucks, who are heading into Game three against the Nashville Predators tonight in Nashville. Losing your starting goalie is one thing – losing him in the playoffs when the stakes are amplified is another thing entirely.

Thatcher Demko. Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports

Just ask the 2006 Edmonton Oilers – who lost Dwayne Roloson in Game one of the Stanley Cup Final and eventually lost the series to the Carolina Hurricanes.

The Canucks now need to lean on their goalie tandem of Casey DeSmith and Arturs Silovs for the rest of their playoff run. DeSmith started their last game, and will more than likely get the bulk of the starts moving forward.

While this isn’t confirmed at this time, I suspect that the team would make an announcement in the next couple of days if this is indeed the case for Demko. Time will tell what is in store for the Canucks.

Subscribe to Inside the Locker Room for exclusive interviews, as well as sights and sounds from Oilers practices.

Bookmark The Hockey News Edmonton Oilers team site to never miss news, interviews or any other updates on the Oilers.