Oilers' Scrivens on goaltending battle with Fasth: 'That's out of our control'

Edmonton Oilers goalie Ben Scrivens isn't assuming anything when it comes to his competition with Viktor Fasth for the team's starting job in net.

"My answer is not going to change from last year," Scrivens told the Edmonton Journal. "That’s a decision for the coaching staff, [head coach] Dallas [Eakins] and [goaltending coach] Freddie [Chabot] how they want to do it. Vic and I are coming to stop pucks, and they’ll play whoever gives us the best chance to win. 

"In terms of rotation and titles, that’s out of our control."

Scrivens started 21 games for the Oilers last season after being acquired from the Los Angeles Kings in January. He posted a 3.01 goals-against average and .916 save percentage with Edmonton, including a 59-save victory over the San Jose Sharks on Jan. 30.

"The only thing I know about Dallas is he’ll play the goalie that gives him the best chance to win," Scrivens said. "It’s up to Vic and I to battle for that honor every night."

Neither Scrivens nor Fasth has ever been an unquestioned starting goaltender in the NHL. 

"You have acknowledged starters around the league, but that’s because they keep bringing it each and every game," Scrivens said. "They’re outplaying the other guy continually. As soon as they aren’t, the other guy will get a chance.”

Fasth played five games for the Anaheim Ducks last season before being dealt to the Oilers for a pair of draft picks on March 4. He put together a 2.73 GAA and a .914 save percentage in seven games for Edmonton.

Scrivens said the coaching staff knows what they're getting from him and he needs to prove he deserves a shot.

I think [the coaches] know how I can play and it’s up to me to get back to that form quickly. I have to hit the ground running. I’ve had lots of camps with [Eakins]. You don’t want to use the pre-season games to get the rust off. You want to be feeling good [right away] to batten down the hatches.