GRAPEVINE GRILLING: Don Cherry Blames Oilers’ Stanley Cup Collapse on Stuart Skinner — Calls Out Goalie for “Soft Goals” in Game 7 Loss, Sparks Fan Debate Ahead of 2025-26 Season
Don Cherry has never been one to hold back his thoughts, and once again, the iconic hockey commentator delivered a verbal slapshot that ricocheted through Oil Country. In the latest episode of his Grapevine podcast, aired June 23, 2025, the outspoken former coach took aim at Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner, holding him accountable for the team’s heartbreaking loss in Game 7 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final. According to Cherry, Skinner’s inability to deliver a clutch performance on hockey’s biggest stage cost the Oilers a championship and wasted what he called “one of the gutsiest playoff performances ever” by Connor McDavid. Cherry’s comments have ignited a firestorm of debate among fans and analysts alike, casting a long shadow over Skinner as Edmonton prepares for another run at glory in the upcoming season.
For Don Cherry, the final nail in the Oilers’ coffin wasn’t Florida’s physical dominance or the strategic prowess of Panthers coach Paul Maurice. It was Stuart Skinner’s glove. Or, more accurately, the pucks that slipped past it. Cherry minced no words, stating, “The kid let in some soft goals. You can’t win the Stanley Cup like that. Not when you’re getting a performance like that from McDavid. You gotta come up big. And Skinner didn’t.” It was a damning indictment of a goalie who had fought his way through 25 playoff games, finishing with a 2.59 goals-against average and a .895 save percentage. Solid numbers, but not spectacular—especially when measured against the intensity of the Final and the expectations of a fan base starved for its first championship since 1990.
Cherry, who coached the Boston Bruins in the 1970s and became a household name through Coach’s Corner on Hockey Night in Canada, has always prided himself on old-school values—grit, accountability, and rising to the moment. In his eyes, Skinner didn’t just lose a game. He let down his team. “Look, the Panthers are a good club,” Cherry acknowledged. “They crash the net. They pepper you with shots. But that’s the job of a goalie. You’re the last line. If you flinch in Game 7, it’s over. And that’s what happened.” Cherry contrasted Skinner’s showing with the transcendent play of McDavid, who led the postseason in scoring and was named the Conn Smythe Trophy winner despite being on the losing team. “McDavid gave it everything. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a player do more. And then the puck goes the other way, and boom—it’s in. Not because the shot was great, but because the goalie wasn’t.”
The criticism comes at a pivotal time for Skinner. At 26 years old, the Edmonton native had taken a major step forward in 2023-24, posting a 36-16-5 record with a 2.62 GAA and .906 save percentage during the regular season. He solidified his status as the Oilers’ number-one goaltender and helped guide the team past juggernauts like the Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars en route to the Final. But playoff glory is measured not by journey, but by finish. And in the most important game of his career, Skinner allowed four goals on 26 shots in a 4-2 loss that silenced Rogers Place and shattered the hopes of a championship-starved city.
Cherry’s critique has laid bare a rift among Oilers fans. Some rushed to Skinner’s defense, pointing to his resilience throughout the playoffs and reminding critics of the growing pains even elite goaltenders must endure. “He’s still young,” one fan posted on X, formerly Twitter. “He’s been our rock all year. He deserves another chance.” Others echoed Cherry’s sentiment, arguing that the Oilers need a proven veteran presence in net—someone who can take the reins in high-pressure situations or, at the very least, push Skinner to rise to the occasion. “McDavid and Draisaitl aren’t getting any younger,” wrote another user. “You can’t waste another year hoping Skinner figures it out.”
Inside the organization, the front office remains measured in its approach. General Manager Ken Holland, who’s facing pressure to construct a Cup-winning roster before the window closes on Edmonton’s current core, has expressed support for Skinner while not ruling out the possibility of bringing in goaltending depth. During a press availability earlier in the offseason, Holland remarked, “We believe in Stuart. He’s made tremendous strides, and we don’t get to the Final without him. That said, we’re always evaluating ways to improve the team.” Reading between the lines, the Oilers appear poised to explore the goaltending market—perhaps targeting an experienced backup or platoon partner who can shoulder part of the load and provide insurance when the pressure mounts.
Cherry’s podcast also revived an old debate: what makes a championship-caliber goalie? Is it statistics, composure, or something less tangible—like the so-called “clutch gene”? Many analysts point to netminders like Sergei Bobrovsky, who stood tall for the Panthers in Game 7 and throughout the playoffs, delivering timely saves that seemed to demoralize opposing scorers. Others recall the heroics of Carey Price in 2021, or Jordan Binnington’s Cinderella run in 2019. The common thread isn’t perfection—it’s the ability to make the save that matters most. In that respect, Skinner’s critics say he came up short.
For Skinner himself, the offseason presents both a challenge and an opportunity. By all accounts, he is well aware of the scrutiny. Known for his calm demeanor and tireless work ethic, he’s reportedly returned to off-ice training with renewed focus, determined to silence doubters and prove he can be the backbone of a Cup-winning team. His response to Cherry’s comments has been characteristically stoic. In a recent interview, Skinner said, “People are going to have their opinions. I respect Don Cherry and what he’s done in the game. All I can do is use this as fuel and get better. That’s what I plan to do.”
Skinner’s resilience will be tested early in the 2025-26 season. With the Oilers set to open against division rivals and perennial contenders, any sign of shakiness could spark calls for change. Yet, the same adversity that threatens to define him could also become his redemption arc. If he learns from the sting of Game 7, sharpens his focus, and channels criticism into confidence, he could emerge not only as a capable starter—but as a champion.
As for Cherry, his words carry weight not because of his delivery, but because of his legacy. At 90 years old, he remains a polarizing figure—revered by traditionalists, dismissed by modernists, but never ignored. When he speaks, people listen. His callout of Skinner wasn’t just about one game or one goalie—it was about accountability, the burden of expectations, and the unforgiving nature of playoff hockey. “It’s a man’s game out there,” Cherry said. “And when the lights are brightest, you find out who’s ready.”
The Oilers, meanwhile, must navigate the aftermath. The loss to Florida was more than just a missed opportunity—it was a gut-punch that exposed both the strengths and frailties of a team on the cusp. McDavid’s brilliance, Draisaitl’s leadership, and the supporting cast’s depth were undeniable. But so, too, were the questions in net. The organization has a choice to make: double down on Skinner, hoping he matures into the dependable playoff goalie they need, or hedge their bets with an experienced alternative.
What’s clear is that the clock is ticking. The Oilers have built a championship-caliber roster, and their core—led by McDavid, Draisaitl, and Nurse—is entering its prime. Another deep playoff run is not a hope but an expectation. And in that crucible, there’s no room for uncertainty between the pipes. Stuart Skinner now finds himself at a crossroads, with Cherry’s words echoing in the background like a shot off the crossbar.
In the end, Game 7 may have been just one game, but for Skinner, it was a defining moment. Whether it becomes a scar or a spark remains to be seen. What is certain is that Don Cherry has issued a challenge. And all of Edmonton will be watching to see how their goalie responds.
