Stuart Skinner Producing Elite Numbers as Jets' New Starter in Connor Hellebuyck's Absence

While many were worried about how the Winnipeg Jets would fare without superstar goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, the club has done quite well, thanks in large part to newcomer Stuart Skinner, who has impressed as the team's new starter.

Skinner spent six full seasons with the Edmonton Oilers and a half season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, so he has dealt with his fair share of high-pressure situations, making his tenure in Winnipeg look like a piece of cake for the 27-year-old.

He has started four of the Jets' first six games and has been nearly perfect, posting a 3-0-1 record, a 2.47 goals-against average and a .917 save percentage and his nderlying numbers look even better. 

The Edmonton native owns a .939 save percentage in mid-danger situations, and seven of the 10 goals he has allowed this season have come in high-danger situations, where a goaltender can only do so much. Skinner is also just outside the top ten NHL netminders in goals saved above expected at 3.3, tied with New York Rangers breakout goaltender Dylan Garand.

Backup Clay Stevenson, meanwhile, was strong in his season debut but took a major step back in his second start, making just 12 saves and allowing four goals against the Anaheim Ducks, meaning the pressure will remain on Skinner to carry the load.

With his track record, and with the strength of the Jets' defense long considered one of the team's biggest assets, Skinner is well positioned to extend his hot streak into a potential career year.

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