Hunter Skinner’s NHL Debut
The St. Louis Blues are gearing up to host the Philadelphia Flyers tonight, and for 24-year-old defenseman Hunter Skinner, this game marks a significant milestone: his debut in the NHL. Skinner, who was acquired from the New York Rangers in a high-profile trade involving Vladimir Tarasenko earlier this year, is ready to make his mark. With his family, including his parents and siblings, cheering him on from the stands, Skinner expressed his excitement, calling this opportunity a dream come true.
“It’s incredible to finally get the call after so much hard work. Playing in the NHL has been a goal since I was a kid,” Skinner shared. “I found out during practice the other day and then confirmed it this morning. The moment I saw my name on the board, I was thrilled!”
Game Preparations and Coaching Insights
Skinner will be paired with Matthew Kessel for tonight’s game as they take on two of the league’s legendary teams. Blues head coach Jim Montgomery praised Skinner’s talent and enthusiasm, stating,
“Everyone remembers their first game – it’s a moment that stays with you forever. He has the energy and a passion for the game that really shines through. We are looking forward to seeing him bring that to the ice tonight.”
Recently, Skinner has been honing his skills with the Blues’ AHL affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds, where he accumulated experience over 147 games. His journey hasn’t deterred him; instead, he has embraced the grind, stating,
“I’m just focused on taking it day by day and trusting the process that has brought me here.”
Lineup Changes and Team Performance
As Skinner prepares for his debut, the Blues are making strategic lineup adjustments. Tyler Tucker and Nick Bjugstad will be healthy scratches in tonight’s game, making way for Skinner and returning forward Mathieu Joseph, who has been sidelined due to injury. Montgomery commented on Tucker’s recent performance, noting the need for a reset for him while acknowledging Bjugstad’s contributions despite his recent dip in impact.
The Blues come into this match-up with a record of 6-8-3, having shown signs of improvement in their last five games, going 3-1-1. After the Flyers game, they’ll host the Vegas Golden Knights before embarking on a challenging five-game road trip.
Injury Updates
In terms of injuries, Blues forward Jake Neighbours, who has not played since October 25, was seen on the ice during the morning skate. He leads the team with six goals and is still on track for a reevaluation within the expected five-week timeframe following his leg injury.
As the anticipation builds for Skinner’s debut tonight, all eyes will be on the ice as the Blues aim to add another win while facing the competitive Flyers squad.
