If you look at it logically you run the Skinner scenario through this series of thoughts:Narrative?
He was one of the best 5v5 goal scorers in the NHL before he became a Sabre. He had a season with the Canes that was pretty much the same as the one he had with Jack. He doesn’t need to be with Jack to score.
There is no narrative. He is one of the best 5v5 goal scorers who is struggling this season.
He’s also been creating the same rates of HD chances, scoring chances, shots on goal etc as he did last season. But his shooting% is down. Whether its bad luck or lacking confidence he’s not producing as many goals 5v5.
It might help his confidence/luck if his coach didn’t do a lot of things to remove him from advantages offensive situations. Like removal from PP#1, like tonight when we pull the goalie and put out Mojo for the 6 on 4 instead of Skinner, rarely out in OT etc. Even double shift Jack from time to time with him. Thats what that tweet was talking about.
- NMC and even if he wanted to go no one would pay for him.
- We have him for another seven years
- To have him earn his pay he needs to score goals
- Where will he most likely score goals? PP, Overtime, on the top line.
- In each of those three spots, would adding him in lead to the increase in Skinner’s performance being outweighed by the drop in scoring from whoever he replaces?
- OT, second line OT he’d do no worse than existing players. Doesn’t cut it with Eichel. PP, again he wouldn’t hurt the 2nd PP. On Jack’s line? You’d have to drop Reinhart to 2nd line centre. Hey we need one of those.
- Risks? Negligible for 2nd line OT and PP. Dropping Reinhart? Reinhart potentially drops to a 60ppg player instead of 70-80. Potentially also drags the 2nd line out of the mud.
- Upside? Skinner firing on all cylinders is 30-40 goals a player. No whole line apart from the top has managed to hit 30 yet.
summary? We’re stuck with him, try every f***ing thing to get him screaming along. If he does, that beats any downside.