Skinner has played twice for the Oilers in the 2025 playoffs, recording an assist in Game 1 against the Los Angeles Kings and scoring in Game 5 of the Western Conference Final more than a month later as Edmonton eliminated the Dallas Stars.
“He’s been a true professional, and when we needed him, he’s been ready to play,” Knoblauch said of the 33-year-old. “He stepped in, played a really good game in Dallas – scored a goal, in fact – and he’s been prepared through it all. It can be a long time off between games not playing, and he’s worked hard in all his skates knowing that there’s going to be injuries or there’s going to be a lineup change or something… if he is playing tonight, I have confidence that he’ll give us a good game.”
Skinner, who is getting his first playoff experience in his 15th NHL season, said he and the other reserve players take a lot of pride in keeping themselves ready for game action.
“It’s just part of being a team,” he said. “You’ve got to have guys that are ready to step in when there’s an opportunity. Everyone’s out there working on keeping each other ready, keeping each other fresh and keeping each other positive.”
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