Goaltender Stuart Skinner said on Apr. 18 that he is ready to help the Pittsburgh Penguins in their return to the postseason, following his acquisition from the Edmonton Oilers in December. Skinner emphasized his excitement about joining a new team and expressed gratitude for being welcomed by teammates, especially Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang.
The Penguins’ playoff run holds significance for both the team and its fans. The organization has a history of consistent competition in the National Hockey League with numerous playoff appearances and division titles, according to the official website of the team according to the official website. Skinner brings valuable experience after making two consecutive trips to the Stanley Cup Final with Edmonton, collecting 50 games of playoff experience and 21 wins since 2024—second only to Florida’s Sergei Bobrovsky during that span.
“This team, we want to win,” Skinner said. “I can sense that right off the bat. As of right now, it’s a continuation, just with a different group and a new jersey on, which is extremely exciting.” He added about his transition: “They’ve been so supportive with me and have been amazing teammates to me… they really bring a family-oriented feeling to this dressing room. For me, honestly, I’m just very grateful and super honored to be playing by their side this time around.”
Skinner will start Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG Paints Arena—a multipurpose venue in downtown Pittsburgh according to the official website—where fan support is known for its intensity as part of strong local sports traditions according to the official website. He described what it means: “You know how loud the fans are going to be… I know that the fans here in Pittsburgh are going to be just so supportive.” Coach Muse also praised Skinner’s calm presence: “He’s awesome… there’s always a smile on his face… he’s great in the locker room.”
Arturs Silovs will share goaltending duties; he previously won MVP honors during an American Hockey League championship run and delivered strong performances when called up due to injuries last postseason. Teammate Kris Letang said: “I mean, we went a certain way all year, and it worked… So pretty confident in both of them.” Defenseman Ryan Shea added: “We’re playing our hearts out in front of both our goaltenders… hopefully they can feel it when they’re in the crease.”
The Penguins feature notable Hall of Fame players among their ranks according to their official site, forming an important part of Pittsburgh’s community identity according to their official site. Fenway Sports Group currently owns and manages business operations for this franchise according to their official site.
Looking ahead as playoffs begin at home against rival teams under high expectations from management and supporters alike—including those who chant “STUUU!!!” whenever Skinner makes key saves—the Penguins hope experienced goaltending will help propel another deep postseason run.
