Oilers' Jeff Skinner makes his feelings known on series debut in place of game-time decision Ryan Nugent-Hopkins
Jeff Skinner is preparing for the chance to make his Stanley Cup Finals debut on Monday night.
With Oilers star Ryan Nugent-Hopkins' status in question, the veteran could be forced into action for a critical Game 3. Head coach Kris Knoblauch confirmed after the morning skate that Nugent-Hopkins will take warm-up and is considered a game-time decision.
If he's unable to go, the door opens for Jeff Skinner to re-enter the lineup for the first time since Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals against Dallas.
Skinner has just two games of postseason experience under his belt, though he's been productive, recording two points (one goal, one assist) in those appearances. He spoke to the media on Monday afternoon about his mindset and preparation should he play in Game 3.
The Edmonton Oilers shared his full media availability on YouTube.
"I mean, if I'm not in, there's nothing to worry about, so just prepare like I'm in, and then we'll see. Hopefully, Nuggy's good to go. And, yeah, that's it... Yeah, it's intense. It's the best two teams left in the league. So that's what you'd expect. I think it's been two really good games," Skinner said.
"I don't know. I mean, these guys are playing in the game, so it's not like I'm working any harder than them. So it's just part of being a team. I think you gotta have guys that are ready to step in when there's an opportunity. And again, I'm not the only guy out there practicing. Stecher, Emby, Jonesy, DR, like everyone's out there working on keeping each other ready, keeping each other fresh, and keeping each other positive," Skinner added.
Jeff Skinner is a pending UFA, playing out the lone season on the one-year, $3,000,000 contract signed with the Oilers last summer.
Reporters shared the details of Jeff Skinner's morning skate participation
All eyes were on Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Jeff Skinner during Monday's morning skate in Florida.
TSN Edmonton reporter Ryan Rishaug provided fans with an update on how things played out on X (formerly Twitter).
"Not sure which way it’ll go with RNH, but Jeff Skinner was breathing pretty hard when he came off the ice and did media. Clearly pushed himself a bit out there late in the optional," Rishaug wrote.
Usually, players who are not suiting up for the game that night will stay out longer and go harder at the morning skate. We'll see if that's the case in this situation for Jeff Skinner.
Whether with Skinner or Nugent-Hopkins, the Oilers will look to take a 2-1 series lead over the Panthers in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals on Monday night in Florida. The puck drops at 8 p.m. EST at Amerant Bank Arena.
Edited by Jackson Weber
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