Oilers get a boost from Pickard, players returning from injury to reach second round against Vegas

The Edmonton Oilers’ journey through the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs has been filled with drama, high intensity, and an overwhelming sense of anticipation. After a challenging regular season and a rocky start to the playoffs, the Oilers have found their stride, thanks in part to some key developments that have given them the momentum they need to push forward. Among these developments, a surprising boost from backup goaltender James Pickard and the return of several key players from injury have injected new life into the Oilers’ lineup as they advance to the second round against the Vegas Golden Knights.

The Oilers entered the postseason with high expectations after a dominant regular season, but early playoff challenges tested the depth of the roster. Injuries to several key players—including some critical forwards and defensemen—caused concern for the team, leaving them vulnerable in what was expected to be a tough battle against divisional rivals and high-scoring teams like the Golden Knights. Yet, despite the challenges, Edmonton’s resilience has been on full display, proving that they can contend with the best when the stakes are high.

In this article, we’ll explore how James Pickard, the Oilers’ backup goaltender, has stepped up when needed most, and how the return of injured players has helped restore the team’s balance, strength, and playoff drive. We’ll also dive into the upcoming second-round matchup with the Vegas Golden Knights, examining how the Oilers’ newfound depth could play a pivotal role in their quest for a Stanley Cup.

The Unexpected Hero: James Pickard’s Contribution

Heading into the postseason, the Oilers’ goaltending situation was a source of concern. Starting goaltender Stuart Skinner had played solidly throughout the regular season, but many wondered if he could maintain his form in the high-pressure environment of the playoffs. Skinner had struggled in past postseason appearances, and there were fears that he might not be able to handle the intense pressure of a deep playoff run.

However, fate had other plans for the Oilers as James Pickard, typically known as a reliable backup, was thrust into the spotlight during the team’s first-round series. With Skinner experiencing a rough stretch in the first few games of the series, including allowing several soft goals and not being able to steal a win in crucial moments, head coach Jay Woodcroft made the tough decision to turn to Pickard.

Pickard’s insertion into the starting lineup marked a turning point for the Oilers. In his first start, he delivered an outstanding performance, stopping 32 of 34 shots in a crucial Game 4, which the Oilers won to even the series. His calm demeanor in the crease and ability to come up with key saves when the team needed him most provided a much-needed confidence boost to the team.

The goaltender’s resilience in the face of mounting pressure was evident. Pickard’s experience—he had been a solid, but unsung, part of the Oilers’ depth in previous seasons—had prepared him for this moment, and he did not flinch when given the chance to shine. Over the course of the series, he posted a .919 save percentage and allowed just over two goals per game. These numbers were instrumental in giving the Oilers a chance to battle for a deeper playoff run, while Skinner took the time to regroup and recover mentally.

While the Oilers had their fair share of question marks heading into the postseason, Pickard’s steadying presence between the pipes provided much-needed stability. His confidence and composure helped refocus the team, allowing them to play their game without worrying about inconsistent goaltending. As the Oilers secured their spot in the second round, Pickard had earned the trust of both his teammates and coaching staff, and many began to wonder if the backup could continue to be the secret weapon needed to help push the team deeper into the playoffs.

Players Returning from Injury: Reintegrating Key Pieces

In addition to Pickard’s stellar play in net, the return of several key players from injury also played a crucial role in the Oilers’ success. Injuries had plagued the team during the regular season, and the absence of several top players had raised concerns about their ability to go the distance in the postseason. However, as the Oilers began to find their rhythm in the first round, reinforcements started to arrive.

One of the most significant returns came from forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, who had been sidelined with an upper-body injury. Nugent-Hopkins, known for his two-way play and offensive contributions, had missed a few weeks toward the end of the regular season. His absence was felt on the ice, particularly in the team’s depth scoring. Nugent-Hopkins is an elite playmaker and a key figure on the Oilers’ power play, and his return to the lineup provided an immediate boost to both the power play and five-on-five play.

Nugent-Hopkins wasted little time making an impact. He recorded two assists in his first game back, and his ability to move the puck efficiently and create scoring chances for his linemates was evident. His return allowed the Oilers to spread their offensive depth and gave them more balanced scoring lines, which was crucial in the face of the Golden Knights’ balanced and defensively sound game.

In addition to Nugent-Hopkins, defenseman Darnell Nurse also made his return to the lineup after recovering from a lower-body injury. Nurse, the team’s top defender, had been a key absence on the blue line, leaving the Oilers vulnerable in their own zone. Nurse’s return solidified the team’s defense, as he was able to log major minutes against the opposing team’s top forwards. His physicality and leadership on the ice allowed the Oilers to tighten up their defensive play, which had been one of their weakest areas throughout the regular season. With Nurse back in the fold, the Oilers’ defensive corps became more formidable, which will be essential as they head into the next round.

Another key return was forward Zach Hyman, who had been out with a knee injury. Hyman, known for his tenacious work ethic and ability to get in front of the net, provided the Oilers with an added offensive threat. His return gave the team additional scoring depth and made their top-six forwards even more dangerous. The Oilers are at their best when they’re able to roll four lines and keep constant pressure on the opposition, and Hyman’s re-entry into the lineup gave them that extra dimension.

With these key players returning to full health, the Oilers’ depth was significantly bolstered, and they began to look like the well-rounded, championship-caliber team they had envisioned when they set their sights on the Stanley Cup.

The Second-Round Matchup: Oilers vs. Golden Knights

As the Oilers moved on to the second round of the playoffs, they now face a formidable opponent in the Vegas Golden Knights. The Golden Knights, who have quickly established themselves as one of the top teams in the Western Conference, will pose a significant challenge for the Oilers.

The Golden Knights’ roster is filled with strong two-way players like Jack Eichel, Mark Stone, and Shea Theodore, who have proven they can execute in both ends of the ice. With solid goaltending from Logan Thompson and a sound defensive structure under head coach Bruce Cassidy, Vegas is a well-rounded team that can beat opponents in a variety of ways. However, despite their depth, the Golden Knights will face an Oilers team that has finally found its stride, especially with Pickard providing solid goaltending and key players like Nugent-Hopkins, Hyman, and Nurse back in the fold.

The Oilers’ main advantage in this series will be their high-octane offense, led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, who continue to be two of the most dangerous players in the league. However, the Golden Knights’ defensive prowess and structured game could present problems for Edmonton’s high-flying attack. This series is likely to be a battle of offensive creativity against defensive discipline, with goaltending playing a key role in determining who will come out on top.

Final Thoughts: The Oilers’ Path to Victory

As the Oilers head into their second-round matchup with the Golden Knights, they do so with renewed confidence, bolstered by the return of key players and the strong play of backup goaltender James Pickard. The team is now deeper, more balanced, and better equipped to take on the challenge posed by the Golden Knights. However, the Oilers will need to maintain their focus, stay disciplined defensively, and capitalize on their offensive opportunities to have a chance at advancing further in the postseason.

While the Oilers have faced adversity in the form of injuries and goaltending concerns, they have proven their resilience and determination. With the right combination of talent, leadership, and mental toughness, the Oilers could very well find themselves in the hunt for a Stanley Cup once again. If they can continue to build on the momentum they’ve gained, and with players like Pickard and Nugent-Hopkins stepping up, Edmonton will have the chance to make a deep playoff run.