How young? Defenseman not named Skjei or Marc Staal who played in last night's game against the Devils are all 25 years old or younger and have combined for 125 games.
"It's definitely more of a leadership role," Skjei told NYRangers.com this week. "Obviously not on the same level as Marc, but coming into the year, I was the young guy and then throughout the year, things have changed."
Staal, with his 759 games in the NHL, is clearly the most experienced member of the Rangers' blueline. But it's a lot for any one player to be asked to help lead five players making their way through the NHL circuit for the first time.
Staal said Skjei has more than embraced taking on a larger responsibility both on the ice and in the locker room.
"I think he went from a young guy to one of the old guys pretty quick," Staal joked of Skjei. "For him he's 23, 24 and has a couple years under his belt. He's got some experience. He's a really talented player. He's going to be a guy who's going to be looked upon to do more of that for sure.
"It may be asking a lot early on," he continued, "but it's the situation we're in. I think he's ready for that."
What makes Staal sure of that? Skjei's demeanor, especially in challenging times like these have been for nearly two months.
"I think when you're playing the game and you're doing the right things individually to prepare, it rubs off the right way," Staal said. "He's a positive guy who comes to the rink upbeat and ready to go every day. That's a good attribute to have in this situation."
Skjei's influence has been felt by all four young Rangers defensemen, especially John Gilmour. A speedy winger himself, Gilmour said he finds himself watching Skjei every game looking for ways to improve his own game by seeing what works for Skjei.
"I definitely watch the way he plays," Gilmour said of Skjei. "I admire the way he plays. He's such a great skater and he's very skilled, the way he gets up the ice. When he's playing at the top of his game, it's very fun to watch. As a defenseman who is new to the league, I'm definitely watching a guy like him more carefully."
It may not be the spot Skjei envisioned himself being in in October when he was the second-youngest defenseman in the opening-night lineup, but he's in it now and embracing it, helping the "young" players get acclimated to their new environment.
"I've kind of been put into that role where if I have anything to tell these guys, I let them know," he said. "They're good players. They know what they're doing and they know how to play. I'm here for any questions they may have."
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Mats Zuccarello is expected to play Thursday night in Brooklyn against the Islanders. Zuccarello didn't practice on Monday and missed last night's game in New Jersey after blocking a shot that required an MRI.
Forward Cody McLeod is out for the game with an abdominal strain, according to Alain Vigneault.
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Ondrej Pavelec gets the start against the Islanders, while Henrik Lundqvist will start the season finale Saturday in Philadelphia.
