A Buffalo Sabres broadcaster is facing criticism after making a harsh on-air comment directed at Edmonton Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner during Monday night's game. The incident occurred late in the third period of the game, with the Sabres holding a comfortable 4-1 lead. With time running down, the Oilers pulled Skinner from the net in favor of an extra attacker, a move that prompted the Sabres commentator, Rob Ray, to deliver the now-viral dig.
Ray, a former NHL enforcer and current color commentator for the Sabres, quipped, "Empty net for Edmonton… yeah, it has been most of the night, so what's the difference?". The comment, referencing Skinner's performance, quickly spread across social media, igniting a debate among fans and hockey pundits about the appropriateness of such remarks from a team broadcaster.
The Oilers, who were expected to be Stanley Cup contenders this season, have struggled mightily, and the Sabres defeated them 5-1. Skinner, who has faced criticism in the past, particularly during the playoffs, has had a rocky start to the 2025-2026 season. In his last five games, he has allowed 16 goals and posted a save percentage of just 86.55%. In Monday night's game, Skinner allowed four goals on 27 shots before being pulled.
While some fans found Ray's comment humorous, others deemed it unprofessional and "below the belt". Some Oilers fans agreed with Ray's assessment. Critics argued that team broadcasters, who are essentially business partners with the NHL, should refrain from personal insults and maintain a level of objectivity. Some observers contrasted Ray's remark with the insightful and pointed analysis offered by commentators like Ray Ferraro and Kevin Bieksa, who focus on specific plays rather than resorting to "cheap shots".
"Even the Buffalo Sabres game callers are chirping Oilers goaltending. Brutal," one fan wrote. "Ouch. But that's kind of funny," another added. Referencing Ray's history as an NHL enforcer, a third fan said, "Rob Ray landing one of his cleanest shots after all these years. He's still got it".
The Oilers' struggles extend beyond goaltending, with concerns raised about the team's overall performance, especially when star players Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl are off the ice. The team's defense has also been under scrutiny, with Oilers GM Bowman suggesting that improved puck management by the defense could alleviate some of the pressure on the goaltenders.
The incident involving Ray's on-air comment underscores the tension between providing entertaining commentary and maintaining journalistic integrity. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether the controversy will prompt a response from the Sabres organization or influence the approach of other team broadcasters in the league.
