Not even 3 months into an 8 year contract and there are already articles about Skinner’s performance. It’s like a certain galaxy brain called this back in April, 2 months before he even signed on the dotted line.
- Pegullaville

We are in the rationalization stage now

The next stage will be the realization stage

Next mourning stage

Then the hate/bitter stage

I had this debate with a buddy of mine who feels the same way as you. For me it comes down to the fact that Skinner was signed as a 40 goal scorer based on his time and production with Eichel. They took away Eichel and didn't have a plan for 2C (AGAIN).

Of course I want more from Skinner, but I don't expect it based on what he's given.

I see the other side. I guess what I'd say is I'm just not surprised so I'm not mad or disappointed
- jcragcrumple

They're paying him not only to score, but to drive play. The analytics appear to show that he's doing that, yet they keep decreasing his ice time. He needs to do both, plain and simple.

We are in the rationalization stage now

The next stage will be the realization stage

Next mourning stage

Then the hate/bitter stage
- GilPerreault11

He still has plenty of time to make us (well, most of us without an agenda anyway) forget we even had this conversation a month or two from now, and the analytics appear to suggest that, assuming his shooting percentage increases back to his norm, it will. I'm just not ready to let him off the hook until it happens.

They're paying him not only to score, but to drive play. The analytics appear to show that he's doing that, yet they keep decreasing his ice time. He needs to do both, plain and simple.
- buffalofan19

I'll bet the Sabres have better analytics than anything on this board and might be a reason why his minutes went down.

I had this debate with a buddy of mine who feels the same way as you. For me it comes down to the fact that Skinner was signed as a 40 goal scorer based on his time and production with Eichel. They took away Eichel and didn't have a plan for 2C (AGAIN).

Of course I want more from Skinner, but I don't expect it based on what he's given.

I see the other side. I guess what I'd say is I'm just not surprised so I'm not mad or disappointed
- jcragcrumple

Pretty much this, and the fact that the Sabres are still always better than the opposition when he’s on the ice makes this fine.

They're paying him not only to score, but to drive play. The analytics appear to show that he's doing that, yet they keep decreasing his ice time. He needs to do both, plain and simple.
- buffalofan19

Like i mentioned earlier Skinner is a unique case.

His analytics are Elite level. He has never had an elite level season production wise.

What one did I make up cong
- Buff36

Went back and looked 39, I misread the 14th, I apologize. And that post wasn't directed at you about calling people out.

He still has plenty of time to make us (well, most of us without an agenda anyway) forget we even had this conversation a month or two from now, and the analytics appear to suggest that, assuming his shooting percentage increases back to his norm, it will. I'm just not ready to let him off the hook until it happens.
- buffalofan19

What does this even mean?

Like I said, I cannot wait for one of his shots to deflect off three people and into the net, and then for everyone to pretend like hes found his way again.

What does this even mean?

Like I said, I cannot wait for one of his shots to deflect off three people and into the net, and then for everyone to pretend like hes found his way again.
- sbroads24

I can't wait for that to happen and for a board party to break out for a top line, top paid player to get a fluke goal. That would be kind of a hoot!!

You mean erod.... or mojo who’s hit the center wall since the injury? I can’t believe people don’t see the simple truth.... this team needs a center. And botts has been derelict in his duties for a year and a half. Trying to stop gap the position with a rookie, a converted wing or second year player who wasn’t ready the year before. It’s mind bottling.
- Gr8daygo

Yes they do, and most people have said that, but stop blaming his linemates because he has had some pretty good chances over the last 20 games or so.

Anybody now who is starting in goal for Philly tonight, important 2 points tonight.

What does this even mean?

Like I said, I cannot wait for one of his shots to deflect off three people and into the net, and then for everyone to pretend like hes found his way again.
- sbroads24

It means that he’s not let off the hook for being on pace for 40 points and having 10 points in his last 25 games.

If Skinner is not scoring, you are not gettin a great return. He not an assist guy.

Again Buffalo is partially to blame, Botts has done a piss poor job at putting a competent forward group together

I can't wait for that to happen and for a board party to break out for a top line, top paid player to get a fluke goal. That would be kind of a hoot!!
- GilPerreault11

I think that’s better than hoping and praying he won’t score so that your personal opinion of him is validated but here we are

Anybody now who is starting in goal for Philly tonight, important 2 points tonight.
- Buff36

WGR said Carter Hart. It's the Carterbowl

What does this even mean?

Like I said, I cannot wait for one of his shots to deflect off three people and into the net, and then for everyone to pretend like hes found his way again.
- sbroads24

Hope it does, cause we need him, and maybe it will open the flood gates for him.

WGR said Carter Hart. It's the Carterbowl
- jcragcrumple

Thanks

I think that’s better than hoping and praying he won’t score so that your personal opinion of him is validated but here we are
- sbroads24

Yea not sure anyone has said that. Just that he could stand to produce a bit more for what he is being paid.

Hope it does, cause we need him, and maybe it will open the flood gates for him.
- Buff36

Yes we do. If Jack doesn’t score the team doesn’t score.

Like it or not Skinner is now paid Elite level money. Producing at a 40 point clip is unacceptable.

I’ve said countless times how Botts has been part of the problem with not bringing in another competent forward.

But can I ask for Skinner to produce in his own for a game every now and again.

What one did I make up cong
- Buff36

I thought you were talking about 5v5 as that always seems to be the crux of Skinner discussions.

Since the 3 penalty game (anomaly) against the Rangers on October 24th, I still only see 3 total penalties taken by Skinner (11/8, 12/5, 12/10), while having drawn 7.

I found no record of a penalty taken on December 2nd by Skinner. I also found no penalty taken by Skinner on December 14th or November 14th.

He's taken three total penalties since October 24th. Hardly a cause for concern.

Why not give Rhino a shot at Center
Skinner-Rhino-Mojo see what happens, how can it hurt. Yeah you break up the first line but put Vesey or Okposo up there and let them work the boards for Jack

I can't wait for that to happen and for a board party to break out for a top line, top paid player to get a fluke goal. That would be kind of a hoot!!
- GilPerreault11

Nobody does cartwheels when most players score, but it appears some do cartwheels when players DON'T score.

Nobody does cartwheels when most players score, but it appears some do cartwheels when players DON'T score.
- kingcong39

You got it I love when the top players on the respective teams that I like under produce it’s my favorite thing

Yes we do. If Jack doesn’t score the team doesn’t score.

Like it or not Skinner is now paid Elite level money. Producing at a 40 point clip is unacceptable.

I’ve said countless times how Botts has been part of the problem with not bringing in another competent forward.

But can I ask for Skinner to produce in his own for a game every now and again.
- ImThatGuy

With Skinner, the effort is there. What you want is the result, and we all do.

What we all really want is for Botterill to stop sitting on 27 defensemen and make the obvious moves needed to bolster the forward group, which is and has been clearly lacking for a year and a half now.

So basically, we all agree.

I thought you were talking about 5v5 as that always seems to be the crux of Skinner discussions.

Since the 3 penalty game (anomaly) against the Rangers on October 24th, I still only see 3 total penalties taken by Skinner (11/8, 12/5, 12/10), while having drawn 7.

I found no record of a penalty taken on December 2nd by Skinner. I also found no penalty taken by Skinner on December 14th or November 14th.

He's taken three total penalties since October 24th. Hardly a cause for concern.
- kingcong39

Well NHL stats have Dec.10th, Dec.5th, Nov.14th, Nov8th and Oct24th, I misread the one on the 14th so that's on me.

You got it I love when the top players on the respective teams that I like under produce it’s my favorite thing
- ImThatGuy

Not saying you are one of those, of course, but there are clearly others that pile on and enjoy being right to a great degree.