April 15, 2009 | 2:00pm ET Oilers, coach MacTavish part ways
TheFourthPeriod.com
The Edmonton Oilers have relieved Craig MacTavish of his head coaching duties after eight seasons behind the bench.
MacTavish, the eighth coach in Oilers history, compiled a career record of 301-252-103 (.537) in 656 regular-season games with the Oilers between 2000-01 and 2008-09.
"On behalf of the entire organization, I would like to thank Craig and his family for their outstanding commitment to the Edmonton Oilers and the city of Edmonton over the past 10 years," said Oilers GM Steve Tambellini.
MacTavish became the 36th coach in NHL history to win 300-or-more games when the Oilers beat the Vancouver Canucks on Apr. 4, 2009. He currently ranks 11th in both career wins and games coached among active NHL coaches and sits 36th all-time in wins and 41st in games coached.
From the Editor: This shouldn't come as a shock. Even MacTavish new this was coming... the Oilers needed a change behind the bench, it's that simple. Now, with Tambellini reshaping this team the way he wants, Oilers fans should be in for an interesting ride this summer. -- David Pagnotta.
