In a recent Edmonton Oilers–Dallas Stars game, an incident involving a collision between Stuart Skinner, the Oilers’ starting goaltender, and a player from the Stars, has left Skinner sidelined indefinitely. The incident occurred late in the third period, with the Stars leading 4-0. During the play, Skinner’s head was whipped back awkwardly after contact was made, raising concerns about the severity of the injury.
TNT broadcasters referred to the collision as “incidental contact,” as the player from the Stars skated by the crease while chasing a high shot that went over the net. While it’s not clear if the contact was intentional, one has to wonder whether it could have been avoided. The quick pace of the game and the chaos on the ice can sometimes make such plays difficult to prevent.
Now, it’s important to note that the player involved does not have a reputation for dirty plays. In fact, he’s known for the opposite. But even in the fast-paced environment of a hockey game, such incidents can happen in the blink of an eye.
That said, could the contact have been avoided? Did the player do enough to sidestep the situation? Based on his reaction, he didn’t seem particularly remorseful, though he didn’t seem indifferent either.
Ultimately, this appears to be one of those unfortunate incidents that happen in sports, no matter how cautious athletes try to be. These moments are part of the unpredictable nature of the game, with Murphy’s Law often throwing a wrench into the works at the worst possible times.
Avalanche-Stars Series Could Stir Up Bad Blood
The incident immediately raised a concern for me: If the Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars face off in a physical first-round playoff series, it could lead to some serious bad blood between the teams. This scenario evokes memories of the intense rivalry between the Avalanche and Detroit Red Wings from years ago, which was filled with hostility and physicality.
If this potential series becomes overly physical, could it evolve into a rivalry reminiscent of the old Avalanche-Red Wings matchups? The recent incident certainly adds fuel to the fire.
In addition, the Avalanche may not be known for their physicality, lacking many players who fit the “tough” description. This is where Keaton Middleton and Erik Johnson might play important roles in the series. The team may need to adjust and become more aggressive as the playoffs approach, especially if the series turns into a battle of physicality. It might even be wise for the team to prepare for some wrestling moves, considering the rough play that could unfold.
