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Can Scrivens get Edmonton off the schneid?
With Viktor Fasth on the shelf, it’s up to Ben Scrivens to backstop the Oilers to their first win of the season -- something he’ll l try to accomplish tonight when he and the Oilers host the Lightning at Rexall.
Following a disastrous start to the season (allowed 14 goals on 70 shots in his first three games), Scrivens rebounded nicely in Friday’s 2-0 defeat to Vancouver, allowing just one marker on 29 shots -- but it wasn’t enough for Edmonton to avoid matching its worst-ever start to a season.
If the Oilers fail to get a win tonight, they’ll break that dubious mark. Here’s Scrivens talking about what needs to be done to avoid infamy:
Tonight’s game is also important to Scrivens in terms of retaining the No. 1 gig. During pregame media availability, head coach Dallas Eakins said Fasth’s groin injury wasn’t “as bad as we thought” and that the Swedish netminder is already back on the ice.
As for Tampa Bay, Ben Bishop will get his fifth start of the season and second straight, looking to build upon Saturday’s solid 30-save effort in a 4-2 win over Vancouver. Bishop, who earned his first-ever Vezina nomination last season, has carried over that form into this year -- he’s allowed just seven goals on 97 totals shots this season, good for a .933 save percentage.