Oilers coach Knoblauch called out for inexcusable lineup decision

Jeff Skinner has often found himself as the odd man out of the lineup this season, and Coach Knoblauch has admitted himself that he hasn't been an easy fit into the roster.

Jeff Skinner struggled when he began this year with Edmonton, but began to turn around his 200 foot results in the new year. He's been playing quality hockey for some time now, and getting more ice time with injuries - but there's still not enough.

After bringing the Oilers within one goal last night against the Ducks, Skinner was taken off the ice for the remaining 3:30 with the extra attacker.

It's bizarre, especially when Skinner is scoring to help win the game. He's not struggling right now, or even playing offensive hero puck. His goal last night was a net front tip!

The tally brought Skinner up to 5 goals and 7 points in his last 10 games, and yet he only played 15:42 of ice time in a garbage time game against the Ducks - while the team was behind for most of the game.

Since he took over last season, Coach Knoblauch has seemed to have a magic touch with his tinkering in the lineup.

However, his mistreatment of Jeff Skinner looks like a total blind spot on a player type he's not fond of. Skinner is an offensive player that has been helping the Oilers and could help more if given full usage.

Based on the coach's usage of Skinner, it's a certainty the veteran will leave in free agency, and it's doubtful he'll even be a regular in the playoff lineup.