Connor McDavid leads emotional moment in locker room just before playoffs

Jeff Skinner has played 1077 NHL games, setting a record for the longest career of a player to not make the playoffs - which will end this week.

After a recent Oilers win, Connor McDavid was seen giving the team's player of the game award to Jeff Skinner, recognizing his efforts this season and finally getting to the postseason.

Jeff Skinner himself looked thrilled with the recognition, and is obviously incredibly excited to finally be able to taste playoff hockey after more than 1000 games. For Skinner, it's got to be an emotional culmination of his career.

Not only that, but Jeff Skinner has begun to find his game just at the right time for the Oilers.

Skinner was benched and healthy scratched often earlier this season, but since the New Year, he's begun to kick his game into another gear.

In recent games, he's been skating on the first like with Connor McDavid and Connor Brown, forming some solid chemistry as a line.

Sure, it hasn't gone as planned for Jeff Skinner this season. Coach Knoblauch has admitted it directly.

But he could turn it all around if he can tap into his offence and create some magic for the Oilers this playoffs. If the veteran can harness the thrill of finally playing in the playoffs and turn in some big goals for the Oilers - it could be an offensive boost that wins a game or a series.

Last season it was Connor Brown who struggled, but turned it up for an incredible playoff run. If Skinner can do the same, he could bring great value to the Oilers.