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With worst save percentage in NHL, Oilers fire goalie coach

Ben Scrivens, Viktor Fasth

Edmonton Oilers goalie Ben Scrivens (30) and goalie Viktor Fasth (35) pass each other after Scrivens was pulled from the net against the Chicago Blackhawks during the second period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Nov. 22, 2014, in Edmonton, Alberta. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Jason Franson)

AP

File this under “Things that happen when your team save percentage is .883, the worst in the NHL.”

The Oilers’ goaltending has been especially disappointing this season, as it was hoped that the additions of Ben Scrivens and Viktor Fasth would provide some stability at the position.

In Saturday’s 7-1 loss to Chicago, Scrivens allowed five goals on 13 Blackhawks shots before being replaced by Fasth.

Naturally, the move to fire the goalie coach is being met with derision from an extremely frustrated fan base that’s wondering when GM Craig MacTavish, that “man of action,” might do something a little more “bold.”

The challenge for MacTavish will be to avoid the temptation to make a panic move in order to appease the paying customers. The Oilers, with a record of 6-13-2, aren’t exactly dealing from a position of strength, and the vultures are circling.