Edmonton Oilers fans were up in arms against Stuart Skinner when he returned in Game 3 against Vegas. Skinner’s misjudgment of the last-minute winning goal from Reilly Smith enraged the entire fan base. However, the Oilers’ goalie showed just why he earned the name Mr. Game 4 after a shutout win. What’s more? The NHL star followed it up with another shutout in Game 5 to help take the Oilers to the Conference Finals.

“Stuart Skinner has not allowed a goal in 127 minutes of hockey,” the NHL posted after his epic back-to-back performances. Yet, just because Edmonton’s goalie is on an absolute tear right now doesn’t mean he has it all figured out. In fact, Dallas’ Finnish Mafia scored multiple hat tricks against Vezina Trophy contender Connor Hellebuyck. So Skinner needs all the help he can get. He just didn’t realize it would come from such an unlikely source.

In one of the pre-series pressers, Stuart Skinner spoke to the media, where Sam Nestler asked him a particularly helpful question. The reporter asked where the Edmonton goaltender had asked defenseman John Klingberg about any tips on Dallas’ offense. Well, it turned out the 26-year-old didn’t think of asking his teammate, who spent eight seasons with the Dallas Stars.

“I’m really glad you asked that question because now that’s exactly what I’ll do. I’m gonna have a convo with Klinger after this, so thank you,” said Skinner, thanking Nestler. What’s even more surprising about the exchange was that Nestler is a beat reporter for Dallas. No wonder, the only thing the DLLS Sports reporter could say in response was, “Whoops.”

However, Skinner isn’t the only one who will rely on the former Dallas Stars player during their upcoming 7-game series. Evan Bouchard explained how John Klingberg has had a positive impact on the Oilers during the playoffs. “He moves the puck really well, knows who to give it to, when to give it to him… It’s kind of paying off for everyone on the back end,” explained the veteran defenseman. Meanwhile, the 32-year-old is ready to help the Oilers take on his former team.

Stuart Skinner’s teammate had a tough journey

John Klingberg’s journey back to Stanley Cup contention has not been easy. After leaving the Stars, the defenseman played with three different teams in three seasons before landing at Edmonton. Yet, despite signing with last year’s Stanley Cup runner-ups, the NHL veteran could only muster 11 starts for the Oilers this season. Why the inactivity?

Unfortunately, Stuart Skinner’s teammate injured his foot while blocking a shot on March 4. While the Oilers lost 6-2 against the Anaheim Ducks on March 4, losing Klingberg for 20 of the season’s final 21 games was a bigger blow. This came after the hockey defenseman had already lost 13 months thanks to hip surgery before joining the Oilers.

Despite the setbacks, the 32-year-old has shown resilience during the playoffs. The defenseman has three assists in 10 games and is looking forward to continuing his upward trajectory against Dallas. “I’m super excited, they’re a really good team. They been a good team for many years and under [coach Pete DeBoer] I think they took it to another level,” Klingberg told the media.

“They’re in the conference final for the third year in a row, and that speaks for itself. They’re right there, we’re right there, it’s going to be a challenge, it’s going to be a test,” added the former Dallas Stars veteran. What’s more? His former teammates are looking forward to playing against Stuart Skinner and the Oilers’ defensive line with Klingberg, too.

“As friends, we know what he’s been through. He’s put in a lot of hard work to get back to where he is… And, you know, I can’t wait to try and run him,” said former teammate and Dallas Stars forward Jamie Benn about facing the Edmonton Oilers’ defenseman. So the question is, who’ll come out on top?