We can talk about all the money they make, or the fact that it's "just a game" all day. The fact of the matter remains that professional hockey players, especially in hockey-crazed markets like Edmonton, are under immense pressure. One Oilers goaltender is speaking publicly about that.
Stuart Skinner, who is the team's number one netminder for now, admits his early season struggles were difficult to deal with. Skinner added he's been working with a mental health coach for some time.
Skinner's last five games have been interesting. Three of them had excellent results, with his save percentage at .957 or higher. Two of them were duds, and he let in five goals on 22 shots in his most recent game.