Montreal, Quebec (WGR 550) - Jeff Skinner has played nine games since returning from injury and has no goals and one assist. The Buffalo Sabres' winger says he’s not playing injured and is 100%.
Skinner is 31-years-old, so he’s seen a lot through 979 NHL games. He tries to keep the frustration out of his mind in droughts like this.
"Yes, production hasn’t been there like I’d like it to be, so I’ve just got to focus on things that I can control, and focus on working on things that are going to turn the tide," Skinner said on Tuesday following practice. "Hopefully I can get a couple, and get on a bit of a roll again."
In the 13 games before getting hurt, Skinner had seven goals and eight assists for 15 points. Skinner set up Tage Thompson for, what looked like, the game-tying goal on Monday with about eight minutes left.
"Creating chances for your linemates is just as good, and we’re trying to score goals as a group. But I need to be around the net a little bit more, and maybe spend some more time in the 'O' zone to give up more opportunities as a line," Skinner said.
The veteran winger doesn’t think it’s all been bad for his team.
"I feel like there’s been spurts where there were chances here or there that I could’ve put in, but you just keep working to create those opportunities," Skinner said.
Sabres head coach Don Granato knows that Skinner has seen it all, but he still reassures him.
"That’s the biggest thing. Highly skilled players either second guess themselves or they press, and I think in those moments, reassurance and confidence in them goes the longest way," said Granato following Tuesday's practice. "He’s a guy that’s had a long career. He’s had plenty of ups and downs, and he’s still on a line with Thompson and [Alex] Tuch. It’s a pretty good line to be on, and it’s a combination of encouragement, but pushing as well."
Eric Comrie was back at practice on Tuesday after missing Monday’s game due to illness.
Meanwhile, Victor Olofsson is sick and didn’t practice on Monday. He also wasn’t on the trip to Montreal, as the Sabres get set to face the Canadiens on Wednesday night.
