Calvin Pickard is now the man of the moment for the Edmonton Oilers in net, stepping up amidst challenges

Calvin Pickard, a goaltender with a journeyman career in the NHL, is now finding himself as the “man of the moment” for the Edmonton Oilers, stepping up to fill the void in net during a crucial stretch of the 2023-2024 season. The Oilers, a team that has long relied on their offensive firepower led by superstar Connor McDavid, have faced a new challenge in recent weeks. With goaltending issues exacerbated by injuries and inconsistent play, Pickard’s timely contributions have made him a key figure in the team’s quest for a playoff spot.

Pickard’s unexpected rise to prominence comes at a time when the Oilers are fighting for their playoff lives, struggling to maintain a foothold in a highly competitive Western Conference. While McDavid’s absence due to injury has dominated headlines, the Oilers’ goaltending situation has also been a significant storyline. With both Stuart Skinner and Jack Campbell experiencing their own issues between the pipes, Pickard has come in and stabilized the situation, earning the trust of his teammates and coaching staff alike.

This article will delve into Calvin Pickard’s career, the challenges that have brought him to this moment, and the impact his performance is having on the Oilers. Additionally, we will explore how Pickard’s emergence in net might shape the team’s future and their playoff aspirations.

The Journey of Calvin Pickard

Calvin Pickard’s path to becoming the man of the moment for the Oilers is a testament to perseverance and hard work. A native of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Pickard was drafted by the Colorado Avalanche in the second round (49th overall) of the 2010 NHL Draft. After spending time in the junior leagues, including with the Seattle Thunderbirds of the WHL, Pickard made his NHL debut with the Avalanche in 2014.

Though Pickard showed potential as a young goalie, his career has not followed the typical trajectory of an NHL star. He spent much of his early career bouncing between the NHL and AHL, playing for various teams as a backup and filling in as needed. While he had flashes of brilliance in net, inconsistency plagued him, and he was unable to lock down a starting position. Over the years, he played for several teams, including the Toronto Maple Leafs, Philadelphia Flyers, and Arizona Coyotes, without ever being able to solidify himself as the go-to goalie.

Pickard’s experience in the AHL and with various NHL teams helped him develop the mental and physical resilience needed for such a varied career. His time spent in the minors provided him with plenty of opportunities to fine-tune his craft and stay sharp, which has undoubtedly helped him adapt to the pressures of the NHL when called upon.

Despite the challenges, Pickard has remained focused on his goal of becoming a reliable NHL goaltender. His ability to step in during times of need is a testament to his work ethic and determination. This perseverance is now paying off with the Edmonton Oilers, who have turned to him in a time of crisis.

Stepping Into the Spotlight

The Oilers’ goaltending situation in the 2023-2024 season has been anything but stable. Stuart Skinner, who had shown promise as the Oilers’ number-one goaltender, has struggled at times with consistency, particularly during key stretches of the season. Meanwhile, Jack Campbell, who signed a multi-year deal with the team in 2022, has had difficulty meeting expectations and was often relegated to a backup role.

As the Oilers dealt with these goaltending issues, the team found itself facing a critical juncture in their season. With McDavid sidelined, the Oilers could not afford to falter in other areas, including goaltending. This is where Calvin Pickard stepped in. Initially brought in as a depth option, Pickard was thrust into a prominent role due to the ongoing struggles and injuries of the team’s primary goalies.

Since taking over, Pickard has delivered a series of impressive performances, stabilizing the Oilers’ crease and giving the team a fighting chance in every game. His calm demeanor, sharp reflexes, and ability to make key saves in critical moments have earned him the respect of his teammates and coaches. Pickard’s performances have allowed the Oilers to remain in the playoff hunt, keeping them competitive in a highly contested Western Conference.

One of the key attributes that has helped Pickard stand out is his ability to stay calm under pressure. As a player who has spent time in both the NHL and AHL, Pickard has seen it all, and his experience allows him to remain composed, even when the stakes are high. His steady presence in net has become a source of confidence for his team, and that consistency has been crucial in helping the Oilers maintain their playoff aspirations.

The Impact of Pickard’s Play on the Edmonton Oilers

Pickard’s play has been pivotal for the Oilers during a period of uncertainty. His contributions go beyond simply stopping pucks; his performance has had a significant effect on the team’s overall mindset and success.

1. Stability Between the Pipes:

For a team like the Oilers, which has a potent offense but often struggles with defensive consistency, having a goaltender who can provide stability is essential. Pickard has delivered that stability. By making key saves at critical junctures, he has kept the Oilers in games and prevented the team from spiraling during rough patches. The Oilers’ defense, which has sometimes been prone to lapses, has benefited from Pickard’s ability to bail them out when necessary.

In many of the games where Pickard has started, he has managed to make the timely saves required to preserve leads and give the Oilers a chance to win. This ability to make high-pressure saves at key moments has helped instill confidence in his teammates, who know they can rely on their goaltender when the game is on the line.

2. Power Play and Penalty Kill Contributions:

Goaltending is not just about stopping shots; it also plays a vital role in the success of special teams. Pickard’s play has made it easier for the Oilers’ penalty kill to stay effective. When teams are able to get shots off on the Oilers’ goaltender, the performance of the goalie can influence how aggressive or passive the penalty killers are. With Pickard making timely saves, the Oilers’ penalty kill has been more aggressive, knowing that they have a reliable netminder behind them.

On the power play, knowing that they have a goaltender who can stabilize the game gives the Oilers more confidence to take risks and focus on their offense. When the Oilers’ high-powered attack is combined with solid goaltending, they become a much more dangerous team, capable of competing with anyone in the league.

3. Keeping the Team Competitive Without McDavid:

With Connor McDavid sidelined, the Oilers needed their supporting cast to step up and carry the load. While players like Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Zach Hyman have risen to the occasion offensively, it’s been Pickard’s play in net that has kept the team competitive on the other side of the puck. His performance has helped offset the loss of McDavid’s offensive contributions, allowing the Oilers to focus on team defense and solid goaltending.

In the absence of McDavid, the Oilers are playing a more complete team game, and Pickard’s presence has been a key factor in that. His ability to make routine saves and clutch stops has allowed the Oilers to play a more balanced game, rather than relying purely on offensive firepower to win.

4. Playoff Push:

As the Oilers make their push for a playoff spot, Pickard’s play has been instrumental in keeping the team within striking distance. With every game becoming more important, the Oilers needed their goaltending to remain steady in order to secure vital points. Pickard’s performances have allowed the team to pick up points they might not have otherwise, ensuring that they remain in the race for a playoff spot.

The Western Conference playoff race is always tight, and every point counts. With McDavid expected to return before the end of the regular season, Pickard’s efforts in net have provided the Oilers with an opportunity to stay relevant in the playoff conversation. His timely saves and calm under pressure have been crucial in keeping the team afloat during a challenging period.

The Future of Calvin Pickard and the Edmonton Oilers

While Pickard has stepped up in a big way for the Oilers, his future with the team remains uncertain. As a veteran goaltender who has primarily played in backup or depth roles, Pickard is not the long-term solution in net for the Oilers. However, his recent performance could lead to an extended role for him with the team, particularly if the Oilers decide to keep him as an experienced backup for the remainder of the season.

For Pickard, the opportunity with the Oilers is a chance to prove his worth at the highest level. A successful stint in Edmonton could open doors for him with other NHL teams, as a reliable veteran presence in net can be an attractive option for teams looking for depth or a solid backup. Given his ability to step in and deliver when needed, Pickard may find a more permanent home in the NHL moving forward, whether with the Oilers or elsewhere.

For the Oilers, the situation in goal will continue to be something to monitor as they move toward the postseason. Skinner’s performance will be key as the playoffs approach, but Pickard’s recent contributions have proven that the Oilers have a capable option if needed.