EDMONTON

Viktor Fasth is ready to make his Edmonton Oilers debut.

After a frustrating season with the Anaheim Ducks, a conditioning stint in the minors and trade to Edmonton, the goaltender is anxious to get back into an NHL net.

He’s expected to get his chance Tuesday, when the Oilers visit the Minnesota Wild in the first of a four-game road trip.

“Both guys will play (on the road trip),” said Oilers head coach Dallas Eakins. “Ben’s played extremely well, he keeps rolling along. He’s made a real good case for himself here, and obviously, we’ve rewarded him with a contract. But Viktor hasn’t played a lot here and it’s kind of the same it was with Oscar (Klefbom). I thought it was best for the player to start his Oiler career on the road and that’s what we’ll do.”

Acquired the day before the trade deadline from the Ducks in exchange for a third-round pick in this year’s NHL Entry Draft, Fasth is expected to form a solid tandem with Scrivens. Fasth played five games for the Ducks this season before being sidelined by an abdominal injury.

“It’s been a good start for me here and the guys are really nice to me, they’ve welcomed me to the team,” Fasth said. “I’ve had a couple of good days practising here so it was good. It’s been a long season for me so far. I want to get back in there and play a game again. It’s just a matter of keeping focused and try to be ready when the coach tells you to play.”

While the Oilers are anxious to see what their new goaltender can do between the pipes, any questions about his conditioning were answered upon his arrival.

Fasth came in Edmonton in fantastic shape. He has the kind of physique that can guilt those around him to seek the nearest gym.

“I like to work out,” Fasth said. “For a goalie, you’re out there for 60 minutes and as a goalie you almost have to be in one of the best shape on the team in order to stay focused all the time. It’s real important for a goalie to be fit and be ready to play.

“It’s always been a big part of my way of playing. I feel more comfortable on the ice if I feel I’m in good shape. It’s a matter of self-confidence, too.”

derek.vandiest@sunmedia.ca

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