The Edmonton Oilers are in trouble, and fans can see it. After back-to-back losses to the Los Angeles Kings, the team is now searching for answers — and one of those answers might be sitting in the press box.
Veteran forward Jeff Skinner, who waited 15 long years to play in the Stanley Cup playoffs, was scratched for Game 2 after just one playoff appearance. The decision didn’t pay off, and many are questioning if it was the right move at all.
From Debut to Disappointment: Skinner Sidelined Too Soon
Skinner finally made his playoff debut in Game 1 after more than 1,000 NHL games. While he didn’t score a goal, he did make an impact by assisting on Mattias Janmark’s goal, driving hard to the net and creating chaos in front.
But just one game later, he was taken out of the lineup in favour of Evander Kane. Kane returned from multiple injuries and brought more physicality to the game — something the Oilers thought they needed after a narrow 6-5 loss in Game 1.
However, the lineup change did not help. In Game 2, the Oilers looked worse, losing 6-2 to the Kings. The team lacked spark, and Connor McDavid didn’t record a single point.
Skinner Deserved More Than One Chance
The decision to remove Skinner seems hasty. He had built up chemistry with McDavid late in the season, and although they weren’t paired together in Game 1, they might have worked well if given more time.
Skinner had a strong finish to the regular season — scoring nine goals and adding five assists in his last 29 games. He also ended with a +10 rating, proving he could contribute on both ends of the ice. After early-season criticism, Skinner adjusted his play and earned his spot.
Not the Only One Underperforming
Skinner isn’t the only Oiler who hasn’t lived up to expectations this season. Trade addition Trent Frederic has yet to impress and had a minus-1 rating in Game 2. Defenseman John Klingberg did assist on a goal in Game 2 but hasn’t been fully healthy for most of the year.
So, singling out Skinner seems unfair. He wasn’t the weakest link on the ice in Game 1. In fact, his presence and experience could be a boost as the series shifts to Edmonton for Game 3.
Game 3: A Make-or-Break Moment
With the Oilers now down 2-0, Game 3 becomes a must-win. Skinner is experienced, emotionally invested, and eager to prove himself. Sitting him again might damage team morale even more.
Bringing Skinner back into the lineup isn’t just a decision based on stats — it’s about reading the room, understanding the emotional weight of the playoffs, and trusting a player who has waited his entire career for this moment.
If given the chance, Skinner might just rise to the occasion.
The Oilers can’t afford to keep making desperate decisions that don’t work. Jeff Skinner has waited 15 years to play in the postseason. Scratching him after one game, where he contributed, was a mistake. As the Oilers face the pressure of Game 3 on home ice, giving Skinner a proper chance might be the move that turns things around. He deserves it — and the Oilers just might need him more than they realise.
