The numbers are beyond ugly for Devan Dubnyk. A goals-against average of 5.43. A save percentage of .829.
Even in the ‘80s, those stats would be cause for concern. In the present, they’re cause for concern and at least one major trade rumor.
Yet despite the above, Dubnyk will be back in goal for the Oilers tonight on Long Island.
“He hasn’t played as well as we’d hoped,” Edmonton head coach Dallas Eakins said today. “I talked to him this morning and he’s ready to go out and battle.”
The decision to go with Dubnyk against the Islanders comes after backup Jason LaBarbera started the last two games and surrendered seven goals on 48 shots (.854 SV%), losing 4-2 to Washington and 3-2 to Pittsburgh.
Combined, Dubnyk and LaBarbera have registered a team save percentage of .838, by far the lowest in the NHL, and by far the biggest reason the Oilers are 1-5-1 after seven games.
“It’s not like I forgot how to play goal,” said Dubnyk. “It’ll be a couple of small adjustments that will make the difference.”