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Oilers’ Dubnyk feels he’s still the No. 1 goalie

Edmonton Oilers v Philadelphia Flyers

at Wells Fargo Center on November 9, 2013 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.The Philadelphia Flyers defeated the Edmonton Oilers 4-2.

Elsa

Devan Dubnyk seems adamant he’s still the main goalie in Edmonton, despite last month’s signing of Ilya Bryzgalov.

At least that’s according to the Edmonton Journal, which quoted Dubnyk as saying, “Absolutely, I still do,” when reportedly asked if he thought he was still the Oilers’ main netminder.

The 27-year-old Dubnyk has recorded three wins in his last five games, and could see considerably more playing time in the coming days and weeks ahead, with Bryzgalov’s playing status right now unclear after he was hurt Sunday.

But there’s no denying that in the longer run, the addition of Bryzgalov may create something of a goalie controversy in Edmonton, even if Oilers head coach Dallas Eakins tried to quell any such notion.

“I like the battle but the end result for the battle, and it’s a friendly one, is that somebody takes it (the starting job),” Eakins said, as per the Edmonton Journal.

“As soon as I say that, I don’t want the other guy to let him take it. But I like battles at positions. You need that right through your lineup ... you need it in Oklahoma City, where they’re getting ready to challenge guys here, you need guys farther down in our lineup pushing the top guys.”

The battle is on hold for a little bit. The Oilers recalled Jason LaBarbera from Oklahoma City in the American Hockey League.

Follow @CamTucker_Metro