Oilers coach Knoblauch addresses harsh scratching of veteran forward
Photo credit: Edmonton Oilers Raw
The Edmonton Oilers are now headed to the third round of the playoffs, and veteran forward Jeff Skinner has been healthy scratched for all but the first game.
Coach Knoblauch has struggled to find a role for Skinner on the roster throughout the season, and even admitted he hasn't been a great fit - but he still believes he'll impact the postseason.
Oilers coach Knoblauch commits to playing Jeff Skinner again eventually in playoffs
Although Skinner has stayed on the bench for the last 10 games, and other forwards like Kapanen and Frederic have entered the lineup in his place, Knoblauch still says he will entirely get back in the lineup.
Jeff has been an ultimate team player through the season. This season wasn't the fit that he anticipated, or we anticipated but he's been outstanding. Just his attitude when he comes to the rink. There's a lot he could be angry about, but he comes with a great attitude and doesn't want to bring anyone else down. Whether it's this series or later that we can use Jeff, I'm not sure, but we will not hesitate.
- Coach Knoblauch
- Coach Knoblauch
Knoblauch speaks with some understanding of how tough this has been for Skinner, but also how well he's handled it and how much he trusts him to go back in the lineup.
Skinner remains great team player through tough playoff scratches
It's undeniably tough for Skinner to be in the press box after just one game, but he has to stay ready.
The Oilers head coach has struggled to find a role for Skinner, but seems to insist that he trust him - and he should. Jeff Skinner is a veteran of 1078 NHL games with 373 goals. He's new to the playoffs, but knows how to succeed by now in the NHL.
It's unfortunate that Skinner never fit with the Oilers, as even now they're paying him $3M to be a locker room presence. Obviously, it would've been better to spend those resources elsewhere.
If he doesn't get in for one more game though, the veteran Skinner will be hungry to make an impact with his skill. He could be a very interesting scratch-and-score option for Knoblauch in the final stretch of the postseason.
| POLL | ||
MAI 18 | 776 ANSWERS Oilers coach Knoblauch addresses harsh scratching of veteran forward Do you think Skinner will get back into the Oilers lineup this playoffs? | ||
| Yes | 585 | 75.4 % |
| No | 191 | 24.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
TRENDING NOW
