Heading into Saturday’s action, the Edmonton Oilers were dead last in the Western Conference, on a nine-game losing streak and had given up a league-high 82 goals against in 24 games.
However, Don Cherry says netminders Ben Scrivens and Viktor Fasth aren’t at fault and fans should be encouraged by the team’s effort in the last two outings – back-to-back losses to the Nashville Predators and St. Louis Blues.
“You can’t blame the goaltenders now,” Cherry said on Hockey Night in Canada. “Scrivens was unbelievable [Friday].”
Scrivens made 37 saves in a 4-3 overtime loss to the Blues, while Fasth stopped 24 of 25 shots in a 1-0 overtime loss to the Predators the night prior.
Although things aren’t looking too bright in Edmonton at the moment, Cherry gave some words of encouragement to the Oilers faithful.
“They’ve lost two good games [in a row]; they’ve played great,” Cherry said. “Stick with them. Don’t start booing them.”
Cherry also sympathizes with Oilers head coach Dallas Eakins.
“I know what he’s thinking. I see him dying out there. He’s a good guy.”
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