Stars forward Mikko Rantanen heaped praise on Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner after Edmonton's 6-1 victory over Dallas in Game 3 of the Western Conference Final on Sunday.
"I think Skinner was the difference-maker tonight. He was really good," Rantanen told reporters postgame. "He made key saves even when it was 3-1. (Tyler Seguin) had a Grade A in the slot, he makes the save, and 10 seconds later it's 4-1. He was the MVP of the match, I would say."
The Stars outshot the Oilers 34-24 and controlled 69.92% of the expected goals at five-on-five, according to Natural Stat Trick. Dallas was particularly dominant in the second period, racking up 21 shots and 10 high-danger scoring chances, but Skinner stood strong, allowing just one goal.
"Five-on-five we've got to find a way to finish our chances a little bit more," Rantanen said. "Obviously Skinner's making good saves, but we've got to make life harder for him."
It's been a true Jekyll and Hyde postseason for Skinner. When he's struggled, it's been really ugly. But when he's been on his game, he's been nearly unbeatable.
Skinner's made eight starts this postseason, posting a 4-4 record. In his four losses he owns a dismal .816 save percentage. But in four wins his save percentage is an otherworldly .991.
Stars goalie Jake Oettinger, meanwhile, struggled mightily in Game 3, allowing six goals on 24 shots. Dallas head coach Pete DeBoer was quick to defend his netminder, though.
"We wouldn't be sitting here in the conference finals without Jake Oettinger and how he's played," DeBoer said. "Tonight was one of those games where they were opportunistic. Then once they got the lead, we're pushing to get back in and there's Grade A's the other way. The one thing I know about Jake Oettinger for me is he's one of the best response goalies in the league. I know he's not going to drag around tonight's game."
Oettinger posted a .919 save percentage in Rounds 1 and 2 against the Colorado Avalanche and Winnipeg Jets, but he's struggled with an .842 mark thus far versus the Oilers.
Edmonton leads the series 2-1.
