For the second straight season, the Florida Panthers defeated the Edmonton Oilers in the Stanley Cup Finals. Last season, the Sabres fanbase could at least be happy that long time Sabre Kyle Okposo was able to hoist the cup. This season though, the fanbase can feel for a popular member of the Sabres and now player for the Oilers.
Skinner, had never played in a postseason game before his time with the Oilers this season. That may be difficult to hear considering he had spent the last few years with the Sabres while they are fighting through a playoff drought. However, Skinner was a bright spot for a Buffalo team throughout his time on the ice.
He was traded to the Sabres in 2018 and had three seasons of over 30 goals. He also had 18 game winning goals for the organization and was a part of the 2018/2019 team that won 10 games in a row. He was a strong staple in the community throughout his time working in Western New York.
When the Oilers came to Buffalo for a game in March, he received an ovation and the Sabres played a video tribute to the forward.
This season for Edmonton he scored 16 goals and added 13 assists on the year. During the first posteason action of his career, he played in five games for the Oilers. He scored a goal in Game five of the conference finals which helped the Oilers get back to the Stanley Cup for the second straight season.
He played in three games during the Finals against the Panthers. He had five shots during his time on the ice. It did not work out for either Skinner or the Oilers as they fell in six games.
It may be hard year after year to see former Sabres hoist the cup. It also can be hard for the fanbase to see a player of Skinner's talent and a player who gave so much to the fanbase to feel sorry for him and wish he could have won.
As the Sabres continue to work through and rebuild it will be important to hold on the few fond memories they have had the last few years. That includes the moment's that a player like Skinner provided.
If at some point, he is able to hoist the Stanley Cup it will not be surprising if many of the Sabre fanbase will root him on and be happy for a player of his caliber.