Jeff Skinner Scores First Goal as an Edmonton Oiler

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Liam McCormick
October 13, 2024 (6:54 PM)

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Jeff Skinner was moved up to the first line moments before tonight's game against the Calgary Flames, and he made good on the chance nearly right away.

Just over a minute into the first period, McDavid and the Oilers were cycling the puck in the offensive zone, and Jeff Skinner was able to find a sliver of open space near the net. When the puck bounced right to him on a rebound, Skinner was in perfect position and had the finishing skill to wire it home for his first as an Oiler.

Like a true goal-scorer, Skinner was visibly thrilled to get his first in Edmonton and give his team the lead. It was a great sight to see the Oilers high-profile free agent signing get a start to some success with the Oilers.

Skinner was a 7th overall draft pick in 2010, and has gone on to play over 1000 NHL games while always being a consistent scorer, yet never playing in the playoffs. His career best year came in 2016-17 with 37 goals in Carolina, but even just two years ago in Buffalo, Skinner was a point per game player. He was bought out by the Sabres simply because he was overpaid, but Skinner can still be an extremely productive player. Alongside McDavid or Draisaitl, it's possible Skinner has his best year yet with 40 goals or more.

The first goal is a necessary step to getting on the road back to scoring 30, and Skinner began tonight. Oilers fans have seen much worse from an incoming free agent - at least he didn't go on a Connor Brown-esque goalless run! Now, the Oilers need to go out and out the finishing blows to this edition of the Battle of Alberta to get their first victory of the season.