Kris Knoblauch has a big message for Jeff Skinner
The Edmonton Oilers are gearing up for a thrilling showdown against the Boston Bruins tomorrow, and head coach Kris Knoblauch has shuffled his lines, promoting forward Jeff Skinner to the 3rd line.
After spending weeks in Kris Knoblauch's dog-house, forward Jeff Skinner had to hit rock bottom before seeing improvements in his game.
Last week, Jeff Skinner was healthy scratched ahead of the Anaheim Ducks game, and it seems that a short stint in the press box has turned his game around.
Now, Jeff Skinner has recorded two points in his last two games, and Knoblauch is finally rewarding Skinner by promoting him to the third line.
While Skinner is still stuck in a bottom 6 role, it's still an upgrade from his previous spot on the 4th line where he was experiencing a diminished role and decreased minutes.
After practice today, Edmonton Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch made himself available for his usual interviews, providing some encouraging words on his trending forward.
KNOBLAUCH: Skinner's been playing really well, points in back-to-back games, scored a really good goal the other night, set up another one on Darnell's the night before. Starting to develop confidence in his game, I think his work ethic is where it needs to be. I think he's been working hard on the defensive details of our game. Most importantly, confidence. You're starting to see him enjoy the game.
Finally, after weeks in the dog-house, Jeff Skinner might be getting on Knoblauch's good side.
Knoblauch explains that Skinner's attention to the game's finer details, combined with some confidence has earned him an opportunity on the third line.
Fans can hope that Jeff Skinner newfound momentum translates to some offence tomorrow against the Boston Bruins.
