Jeff Skinner's long-awaited Stanley Cup playoff debut finally arrived after an astonishing 15 seasons and a record 1,078 regular-season games. The Edmonton Oilers forward suited up for Game 1 against the Los Angeles Kings, marking the end of the longest wait for a postseason debut in NHL history. At 33, Skinner has been a consistent scoring threat with six 30-goal seasons to his name, yet his previous teams, Carolina and Buffalo, struggled to reach the playoffs during his tenure.

This past season with the Oilers, Skinner has geared up for a significant playoff role, finding his footing as a valuable third-line left wing, contributing 16 goals during the regular season. His teammates, including Connor McDavid, have shown immense support, celebrating his playoff inclusion as a long-deserved achievement.