Analyst exposes major flaw in Jeff Skinner's game
Photo credit: The Hockey Writers
Jeff Skinner is back in the lineup following being healthy scratched against the Anaheim Ducks last week, and tonight is great great opportunity for the disgruntled forward to make a statement.
Although he did play last game against Utah HC, his role on the team is still relatively diminished since being relegated to the bottom 6.
While it's fair to say that Kris Knoblauch hasn't exactly given Skinner the opportunity to shine with quality minutes, he's lacking key elements in his game that are contributing to his overall demise on the Oilers roster.
The problem is that as offensively gifted as Skinner is, he struggles defensively, which makes him a difficult option to trust and could be why Knoblauch hasn't utilized him. His plus/minus of minus-11 is the worst on the team, with Ryan and Kapanen's minus-6 being the closest.
Skinner also isn't the fleetest of foot. In a game that seems to get faster each season, it might have caught up to him this season and could be preventing him from generating more scoring opportunities.
-The Hockey Writers
Skinner also isn't the fleetest of foot. In a game that seems to get faster each season, it might have caught up to him this season and could be preventing him from generating more scoring opportunities.
-The Hockey Writers
As per Rupert McDonald, Jeff Skinner's inability to play a solid two-way game, combined with his relatively slow foot speed has compounded into a difficult 2024 campaign.
While he may posses a decent shot, he simply doesn't have the quickness required to play in a top-6 role with the likes of Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl.
When playing alongside Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl, defensive responsibility is crucial, which is why coach Knoblauch has likely preferred players like Vasily Podkolzin who demonstrates strong two-way play.
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 3 | 378 ANSWERS Analyst exposes major flaw in Jeff Skinner's game Do you think Jeff Skinner struggles defensively? | ||
| Yes | 294 | 77.8 % |
| No | 84 | 22.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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