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Eakins: ‘If you play scared in this league, you’re going to get killed’

Edmonton Oilers v Phoenix Coyotes

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 26: Head coach Dallas Eakins of the Edmonton Oilers watches from the bench during the NHL game against the Phoenix Coyotes at Jobing.com Arena on October 26, 2013 in Glendale, Arizona. The Coyotes defeated the Oilers 5-4. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

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By now you’re familiar with the Edmonton Oilers struggles to start the year. They’re the worst team in the Western Conference and only the Buffalo Sabres are keeping them out of last place in the league.

After losing 5-0 to the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday night, coach Dallas Eakins gave an honest assessment of his team as John MacKinnon of the Edmonton Journal shared.

“We’ve got a group that’s hurting, they’re dying, they’ve lost their confidence,” Eakins said. “If you play scared in this league, you’re going to get killed.”

Getting drubbed by the Red Wings and getting just 14 shots on goal on home ice sure looks like a team getting killed.

The Oilers have a 3-10-2 record and are quickly drowning in a loaded Western Conference. In the Pacific Division alone they’re 10 points back of fifth place Los Angeles and 13 behind fourth place Vancouver and 15 points out of first place.

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