Crazy year, wasn’t it? Starting the calendar year off in the middle of a 16-game win streak that propelled the Edmonton Oilers up the Western Conference standings, we got to watch one of the best seasons in franchise history and (almost) one of the most memorable seasons any team has ever had. Unfortunately, that fell one game short (and if it hadn’t, this article would exclusively feature game four of the Stanley Cup Final as the best save in NHL history).
Following that up with another tense and underwhelming start to the season, clearly trying to recreate the magic of the Oilers’ 2023–24 season, things have settled down as the Oilers look to enter 2025 challenging for the division lead.
We might not always be happy with the Oilers’ goaltenders, but let’s be real for a moment. The current tandem has been about as good as Edmonton has had in a very long time. They have their flaws and don’t always find themselves stealing games the way we’d want them to. In comparison to the rest of the league, they are probably just an average duo.
However, Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard have found ways to contribute to this team’s success in big moments. Skinner, when on his game, can be one of the best in the league. He was out of this world in the latter half of the 2024 playoffs. And Pickard, though he does struggle against good teams, seems to be able to answer the call in a big way when asked.
And most importantly for this post, the two of them can make highlight reel saves. As we wind down 2024, here are some of the biggest and best saves that Edmonton Oilers goalies have made this season.
Stuart Skinner versus the Carolina Hurricanes
This might be one of the best saves we’ve seen an Oilers goalie make in years.
The face in the thumbnail image is pretty accurate. Skinner, from his side after making a save, rolls around to get in the shooting lane after the rebound is cleared to an open shooter, and manages to prevent the Hurricanes from scoring the powerplay goal. It’s the type of save we see on replay on highlight reels for years.
Unfortunately, the legacy on this save is diminished by the Hurricanes actually scoring shortly after. This clip is better if it is cut off after the first save.
Stuart Skinner robs Alexander Ovechkin
This game against the Washington Capitals did not start very well for Skinner. Despite the Oilers being up by two goals in the first seven minutes of the game while not even giving up a single shot on net, the end of the first period was closing in as the Oilers clung to a 3–2 lead and they had not gotten a single save out of their goalie yet. Until this play.
That’s quite the accomplishment, isn’t it? To pull off a save like that against the greatest goal scorer in NHL history? That’s going to be a story for his grandkids.
The incredibly bold strategy of leaving Alexander Ovechkin wide open right beside the net was a masterclass in defensive coverage. But luckily, Skinner was there and as ready as he could be to lean over with his stick and save the day.
Skinner keeps the Cup dreams alive in Game 4
The Oilers were in do-or-die mode in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final. Down three games to none, there was no room for error. An early lead in this game gave the team some hope, but the Florida Panthers almost cut into that by tying the game near the end of the first period.
https://www.nhl.com/oilers/video/fla-edm-skinner-with-a-great-save-6355109133112
A crucial turning point in this series and one single moment that you can look back to that helped fuel the nearly impossible comeback Stanley Cup win.
Stuart Skinner gets across the crease to deny Pontus Holmberg
This game against the Toronto Maple Leafs did not start well. The Oilers gave up a goal less than 30 seconds in and were down 2–0 just over halfway into the game. But late in the first period, Skinner made a massive save that helped keep the Oilers in the game. And good thing he did, too, considering the four unanswered goals in the second half of the game that propelled the team to victory.
It’s not always that Skinner’s movement in the crease works out for him. But it went exceptionally well in this play. Maybe it’s a good thing that Auston Matthews was the passer and not the shooter on the play, though.
Calvin Pickard denies Brendan Gallagher
Pickard will absolutely get some love on this list. On this play against the Montreal Canadiens, Brendan Gallagher was left relatively unobstructed to get a clean shot off in the slot. But Pickard was ready and he got himself moving to block the shot and stood his ground while the puck was still loose.
https://www.nhl.com/video/edm-mtl-pickard-with-a-great-save-against-brendan-gallagher-6364884730112
Stuart Skinner kicks the pad out to stop Matt Duchene
The absolute peak of Skinner’s performance in 2024 might be during the Conference Finals against the Dallas Stars. Up against one of the league’s best in Jake Oettinger, Skinner matched and even outplayed his counterpart throughout this series. One of the highlights is this save on Matt Duchene to maintain a 3–3 tie in the third period of game three while the series was tied 1–1.
https://www.nhl.com/oilers/video/dal-edm-skinner-with-a-great-save-6353783450112
Although the Oilers did lose this game, it was the last time the Dallas Stars won in this series as Edmonton won three straight to book their ticket to the Stanley Cup Final.
Which save would you add to this list? Drop a comment down below!
Photo by Derek Cain/Icon Sportswire
