The Edmonton Oilers may have to proceed without their primary goaltender for an undetermined period.
Stuart Skinner`s game concluded prematurely on Wednesday when he received a knee to the head from Dallas Stars winger Mikko Rantanen.
During a play where a shot went high, Skinner jumped to deflect the puck using his shoulder. Upon landing and moving out of his crease, he collided with Rantanen’s knee as the winger was skating by. The collision seemed unintentional.
Skinner remained on the ice briefly and was attended to by the Oilers training personnel.
Coach Kris Knoblauch informed reporters post-game that Skinner is unlikely to accompany the team on their upcoming road trip to Seattle.
Prior to the injury, Skinner had conceded four goals from 21 shots within 46:34 of game time. Earlier in the game, he displayed frustration, striking his stick against the Oilers bench during a TV timeout.
Skinner, aged 26, entered Wednesday`s game with a season record of 24 wins, 17 losses, and 4 overtime losses, along with a 2.87 goals-against average and a .895 save percentage over 48 games played.
Backup goalie Calvin Pickard took Skinner`s place in the net for Edmonton.
