Sam Gagner Gives Struggling Oiler Pep Talk

Sam Gagner was spotted chatting with Stuart Skinner.

Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports - Sam Gagner Gives Struggling Oiler Pep Talk

EDMONTON -- Game four is underway.

The Edmonton Oilers are engaged in a heated game against the Vancouver Canucks. As far as the Oilers are concerned - this is a must win game.

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This morning featured the reveal that Calvin Pickard was going to be tonight's starting goalie - with Stuart Skinner taking the game to reset and refresh. There's no questioning the the change of pace is good for the team too.

While Pickard was basking in his new opportunity - Skinner was on the receiving end of what most would assume was an encouraging pep talk.

Morning skates typically start at 10:30 AM - so it's important to note the time stamp on the tweet. At 11:19 AM most media scrums have already taken place.

In the clip we see veteran Sam Gagner chatting with Skinner. It's important to remember the human side of the game. For Skinner, he's been the guy all year and wants his team to win. To not be given an opportunity to have a bounce back game tonight definitely has to be hard on him.

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Good on Gagner for stepping up to help a teammate in this way. There is no doubt in my mind that Gagner would make an excellent coach when his playing days are over.

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