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Scrivens believes Oilers are ‘starting to build winning habits’

Edmonton Oilers v Arizona Coyotes

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 15: Goaltender Ben Scrivens #30 of the Edmonton Oilers makes a save during the NHL game against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena on October 15, 2014 in Glendale, Arizona. The Coyotes defeated the Oilers 7-4. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

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The Edmonton Oilers didn’t play poorly Friday.

In fact, they were much tidier in their own end against the visiting Vancouver Canucks, showing vast improvement in that area of the game after getting lit up in losses to L.A. and Arizona. Against the Canucks, the Oilers surrendered two goals, one of them being into an empty net.

The other, which saw Radim Vrbata finish off another passing play from the Sedin twins, Daniel and Henrik, was the result of a defensive breakdown that saw the Oilers chasing the puck in their own end.

It all amounts to five straight losses, one coming in a shootout. It’s now the worst start in franchise history for the Oilers. Not the best way to start a seven-game home stand.

“They got one quality chance and buried it. We couldn’t do the same on ours. We’ve got a lot of work left to do,” said goalie Ben Scrivens, as per the Oilers’ Twitter account.

“We’re starting to build winning habits... This is a good first step, but we have a lot of steps to go,” he added.

These are difficult times for the Oilers’ fan base, which has witnessed its team finish out of the playoffs in eight straight seasons. This start to the season isn’t doing anything to help the situation.

“We’re trending in the right direction in that regard (defence)... It’s frustrating we weren’t able to pull through tonight,” said David Perron.

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