This season, Jeff Skinner has had a hot and cold type of year. He missed two weeks due to injury at the beginning of January and has only 18 goals on the season.
His hot and cold season does not include his play against the Montreal Canadiens. Once again, Skinner became red hot at the Bell Centre in a 3-2 win for Buffalo. He scored a power-play goal in the 2nd period, ending a nine-game drought. In addition to him scoring against the Habs once again, he had three shots on goal for the game.
The goal was the 27th of his career against Montreal. In his dominance against Montreal, Jeff has 47 points in 42 games for his career versus the Habs. He was acquired by the Sabres in 2018 and has stayed red hot against the Canadiens during his tenure.
He has 16 goals and 30 points in only 17 games. “If the line’s clicking and guys are playing well offensively, it kind of leads to production,” Skinner said after the game. “Fortunately, it’s turned out pretty good here the last couple of games." Last season in three games played against the Canadiens, he had three goals and three assists. It was his second of the year at the Bell Centre.
The Sabres are 11 points out of the Wild Card spot in the East. Skinner hopes that his goal and success against the Canadiens can be the start of something for the rest of the season. “Obviously I’ve been in a little bit of a slump here and sort of looking to get one and get a bounce. Fortunately I got one tonight so hopefully that can be the start of something.”
Buffalo will be on the road against the Columbus Blue Jackets tonight, then Skinner and Buffalo play on Monday at home against the Hurricanes. For his career, Skinner has 6 goals and 12 points against Carolina.