Oilers fans probably thought they would never see the day Jeff Skinner gets inserted back into the lineup, but that is finally happening tonight for Game 2.
Via Bob Stauffer of Oilers Now , the Oilers morning skate in Dallas featured veteran Jeff Skinner on the third line with Evander Kane and Adam Henrique in lieu of Connor Brown.
This is the first time Skinner has been slotted in since Round 1. Brown sat out the skate due to a minor injury but will suit up tonight for Game 2.
The Edmonton Oilers morning skate in Dallas:RNH-McDavid-Hyman
Podkolzin-Draisaitl-Kapanen
Kane-Henrique-J. Skinner
Frederic-Janmark-Perry
Jones-Ryan-ArvidssonKulak-Bouchard
Nurse-Stecher
Walman-Klingberg
Ekholm-EmbersonSkinner
Rodrigue*Brown not on the ice
Tony Brar of Oilers TV first tweeted Skinner was Brown's replacement, but then clarified that coach Kris Knoblauch had affirmed Brown will even though he sat out the skate, just like he did prior to Game 1.
'Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch confirms Connor Brown will play Game 2 despite not taking part in the morning skate.'
What stands out is Skinner being called on for the skate instead of Viktor Arvidsson, who's been a steady two-way producer in the playoffs.
Skinner only played in one playoff game this year, and wasn't that bad either
Nevertheless, Skinner impressed in his one playoff game against the Kings and came into the regular season finale on a good note, so Arvidsson will be the odd man out tonight.
In his final 36 games, Skinner had 17 points and a +12 rating. He proved to be fast, scoring, and significantly improved defensively, ending his first half of the season struggles that temporarily landed him in Knoblauch's doghouse.
Signed with high hopes, Skinner had difficulty playing on Connor McDavid's wing, where their line struggled in Goals For Percentage.
But his turnaround in the second half won him the respect of the coaching staff once again and a larger fan support base. If given another chance tonight, Skinner might continue to prove himself in the lineup.
