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Calvin Pickard, Edmonton Oilers (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

Calvin Pickard Has Saved the Oilers’ Season in Stuart Skinner’s Absence

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers | By Dale Bochon | Last updated Apr 4, 2025 4:55 PM ET

There have been many hot topics in Oil Country this season, from the mismanagement of assets to a rash of injuries, but one that never seems to go away is the Edmonton Oilers’ goaltending. The duo of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard have been under the microscope for almost two seasons now, and after Skinner was recently injured against the Dallas Stars on March 26, the focus has shifted to Pickard and rookie Olivier Rodrigue, who was called up from the Oilers’ American Hockey League affiliate Bakersfield Condors to replace Skinner.

There was a lot of fear among Oilers fans, especially after their 6-1 blowout loss to the Seattle Kraken on March 27, but some of that has been replaced with cautious optimism thanks to Pickard’s play. He’s been stopping pucks with his head, with the knob of his stick, and even assisting on winning goals, like he did in the Oilers’ 2-1 overtime win over the New York Islanders on March 14. For a player who is great in the room, he’s also been great on the ice, making big saves at the right time as the Oilers continue their march toward the playoffs.

Pickard’s Style Produces Wins

Pickard is an old-style goaltender, like Martin Brodeur and even former Oilers goalie Dwayne Roloson. Whatever it takes to stop the puck, he’s doing it. It’s not like the 32-year-old Moncton, NB native could ever be mistaken for a 6-foot-6 giant in the crease, but he plays big. Pickard notched his 20th win of the season in Edmonton’s 3-2 victory over the San Jose Sharks on Thursday night and, in doing so, raised his save percentage (SV%) to .901. Those aren’t Connor Hellebuyck numbers, but they’re just what the Oilers need as they head into their final seven games on a three-game winning streak.

Pickard’s steady play has helped provide some confidence to a team that dearly needs it, especially when their trainer’s room is starting to resemble a M*A*S*H unit. With a crew missing Connor McDavid, Mattias Ekholm, Skinner in net and now Leon Draisaitl, who left the Sharks game in the second period with an injury, Pickard’s goaltending has kept his team in contention in the NHL’s Pacific Division.

The Oilers are only five points out of first place and two points back of the Los Angeles Kings for second place heading into their huge April 5 matinée game against the LA Kings in California. The Kings have been hot at home all season and have to be the favourites heading into this game. However, with Pickard playing with heart while the team is missing some of its superstars, I wouldn’t count the Oilers out.

Has Pickard Earned the Starting Job for Playoffs?

The Oilers are going into the 2024-25 Stanley Cup Playoffs with more questions than answers. Will they have a healthy lineup for Round 1? How will Skinner respond when he returns? As of April 4, Skinner has still not practiced with the team, and there has been no clear timeline for his return. In the meantime, Pickard continues to hold down the fort with solid play and a positive attitude that seems to be inspiring his teammates and the Oilers coaching staff.

Some might be starting to think Pickard should get the crease once the playoffs begin. In the meantime, it might be wise for the Oilers to give him a rest and see what Rodrigue is capable of. Three of their final seven regular-season games are against non-playoff teams – the Anaheim Ducks (April 7) and the Sharks (April 11 & 16). If Skinner isn’t back, you have to hope that Rodrigue sees a game or two to give Pickard a rest and to see what the Oilers have in their young goalie.

Pickard Deserves The Accolades

Sometimes life is about timing, and this might be Pickard’s time. He’s a 32-year-old journeyman goaltender who has been waiting for his shot, and what a story it would be if he could backstop the Oilers far into the Stanley Cup Playoffs this season. The critics will say no way. The optimists and the dreamers will say, let’s see what he can do.

Pickard could write a story similar to Roloson, who backstopped the Oilers to the Stanley Cup Final in 2006. How can you not cheer for an underdog like Pickard? He has a chance to write one of the best stories of the 2024-25 NHL Season. In the words of the late great Oilers writer Bruce McCurdy, it would be awesome to say it was #neverindoubt.