The Edmonton Oilers are in jeopardy of missing the playoffs after enduring two separate losing streaks of 6+ games this season, and have decided to part ways with head coach Dave Tippett on Thursday. After winning 4 straight, the veteran coach has lost 3 of his last 4 games in Edmonton, which ultimately forced GM Ken Holland's hand.
Tippett has missed the playoffs 5 times in the last 7 seasons, with his only two playoff berths coming in the last two seasons in Edmonton. The Oilers were eliminated in the first round in both years.
The Oilers may yet make some additional changes in an attempt to turn this season around. At this point, the Oilers are 5th in the Pacific Division with 49 points - 5 points behind the Calgary Flames and 6 behind the Anaheim Ducks and LA Kings with games in hand on both California teams.
