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Jets expect hostile environment in Edmonton as fans grow impatient with Oilers

Winnipeg Jets v Edmonton Oilers

EDMONTON, AB - October 1: Andrew Ference #21 of the Edmonton Oilers skates against the Winnipeg Jets during an NHL game at Rexall Place on October 1, 2013 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Derek Leung/Getty Images)

Derek Leung

Happy days these are not in Edmonton.

The Oilers have lost six straight, sit at the bottom of the Western Conference standings and the fans are re-defining the term ‘frustrated’ with each passing game, it seems.

The Oilers, desperately in search of a win heading into the holiday break in the schedule, are also hosting the Winnipeg Jets tonight.

The Jets aren’t necessarily having the best go of it this season, either. Coming off a 2-1 loss to the Vancouver Canucks on Sunday, the Jets sit sixth in the Central Division with a 16-17-5 record, and are 4-5-1 in their last 10 games.

“They’re going to be an ornery group, we know that,” said Jets’ head coach Claude Noel, according to the Winnipeg Free Press.

“The start of the game is going to be very important. We’re coming into a hostile environment here in Edmonton and we have to be prepared for that. The other thing is we want to finish on a good note before Christmas, just as much as they do.”

A hostile environment, perhaps. As to which team the fans display their hostility toward remains to be seen.

The latest controversy out of Edmonton had head coach Dallas Eakins going on at length about his disappointment in a fan that had thrown their Oilers’ jersey on the ice following Saturday’s loss to St. Louis.

“Whoever threw that jersey on the ice, they’re out, they’ve given up, they’re a quitter,” said Eakins. “We don’t want that here.”

“For some fan to show us all that he quit, he’s done, he threw in the towel, I think that says volumes about the individual. I don’t believe this city was built on people like that.”

Eakins then added a little more to discussion via Twitter just a few minutes ago, as you can see directly below.

Clarity. Today my passion for our Jersey was clearly on display. Our Jersey is sacred and the passion for it will never calm.

— Dallas Eakins (@dallaseakins) December 24, 2013

My comments were intended to show that we will continue to try and emulate our citys hard working, blue collared approach.

— Dallas Eakins (@dallaseakins) December 24, 2013


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