Edmonton Oilers expected to scratch veteran forward for Game 1 of Stanley Cup Final
Photo credit: Imagn Images
The Edmonton Oilers are heading back to the Stanley Cup Final, but even after scoring a goal in Game 5 against the Stars, Jeff Skinner is expected to be scratched vs the Panthers.
The Oilers will get Connor Brown back into the lineup after missing the last two games of the Stars series, believed to be caused by a concussion.
Jeff Skinner expected to be scratched as Connor Brown makes return to Oilers lineup
With Connor Brown returning to the lineup, he's likely to re-take his third line assignment where Jeff Skinner lined up at practice today.
the Vancouver Canucks, though Jeff Skinner played well when called upon.
Brown's forecheck in the bottom six adds to the identity of the Oilers, and his penalty killing work is crucial to the team. Overall, his game is much more repeatable and consistent for a bottom six role than Skinner.
The Oilers are surely excited to get Brown back into the lineup for the Stanley Cup Final, but they're also appreciative of what Jeff Skinner's brought when called upon, and how he's conducted himself in the locker room.
Leon, just shouted out Skinner's name, and «yes it was Skinner» and the guys light up. That's awesome. You want to see good things happen to people, especially good people who have gone through some adversity.
There's been a lot of adversity for him this year, it hasn't gone as well as anyone anticipated. But we're very happy for him, and he's deserved it.
- Coach Knoblauch
There's been a lot of adversity for him this year, it hasn't gone as well as anyone anticipated. But we're very happy for him, and he's deserved it.
- Coach Knoblauch
Skinner will surely be departing the Oilers this summer in free agency, and should be able to land a solid role elsewhere despite the tough year. One team linked to signing Skinner already is the Vancouver Canucks.
Hopefully he's able to find success next year, after winning a cup in Edmonton this year.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 1 | 570 ANSWERS Edmonton Oilers expected to scratch veteran forward for Game 1 of Stanley Cup Final Do you think Jeff Skinner should have been played more? | ||
| Yes, Oilers didn't play him enough | 396 | 69.5 % |
| No, no room for his playstyle | 174 | 30.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
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