Moderators: STLtoday Forum Moderators, Blues Talk Moderators
The simple answer is Tucker and Kessel are the standing third pairing. They got Skinner a game in the back-to-backs. In the big picture Skinner isn't a guy who figures to have much if any upside right now, in this game.
Not disagreeing Dawd, but what makes you say that about Skinner's upside? He was one of the last cuts at camp and he drew a good deal of praise from management at that time. I just saw a guy who showed some decent speed, good positioning, and he actually threw a good few checks last night. I don't see anything in Tucker's of Kessel's game that say Skinner couldn't be a 5 or 6 over them?
He might be, eventually. But this is big boy hockey and Skinner lacks experience at this level. They've already had a bad experience with Mailloux, who by pedigree has FAR more talent and upside than Skinner. Another way to say this is Kessel TODAY has the inside track. Also, this is the 6D, the upside potential for either one is limited by the minutes and matchups.zuck698 wrote: ↑15 Nov 2025 15:10 pmNot disagreeing Dawd, but what makes you say that about Skinner's upside? He was one of the last cuts at camp and he drew a good deal of praise from management at that time. I just saw a guy who showed some decent speed, good positioning, and he actually threw a good few checks last night. I don't see anything in Tucker's of Kessel's game that say Skinner couldn't be a 5 or 6 over them?
I can agree with that. I just saw a kid last night who didn't make any mistakes. And he certainly didn't fall down on that 5th goal like Kessel. Monty has his reasons and maybe they are in line with what you are saying. Thanks Dawd.DawgDad wrote: ↑15 Nov 2025 16:13 pmHe might be, eventually. But this is big boy hockey and Skinner lacks experience at this level. They've already had a bad experience with Mailloux, who by pedigree has FAR more talent and upside than Skinner. Another way to say this is Kessel TODAY has the inside track. Also, this is the 6D, the upside potential for either one is limited by the minutes and matchups.zuck698 wrote: ↑15 Nov 2025 15:10 pmNot disagreeing Dawd, but what makes you say that about Skinner's upside? He was one of the last cuts at camp and he drew a good deal of praise from management at that time. I just saw a guy who showed some decent speed, good positioning, and he actually threw a good few checks last night. I don't see anything in Tucker's of Kessel's game that say Skinner couldn't be a 5 or 6 over them?
We used to be rotating guys like Dunn, Edmundson, Gunnarsson, Bortuzzo in and out of bottom pairing minutes. What a mess it's become.11WSChamps wrote: ↑15 Nov 2025 17:22 pm Tucker and Kessel as a third pairing is how sad the state of this hockey team is.
Brutal.
