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Calvin Pickard: Oilers Surprising Good News Story

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | By Old Prof | Last updated 5/15/24

Thanks to well-traveled goalie Calvin Pickard, the Edmonton Oilers pulled even with the Vancouver Canucks in their second-round series. Pickard made headlines last night with an excellent performance in his first playoff start, helping the Oilers gain a critical 3-2 win over the Canucks in Game 4. Despite facing 21 shots on goal, Pickard stood tall. He stopped 19 of them to play a key role in tying the series at two games apiece.

A Tribute to Calvin Pickard’s Season’s Resurrection

Pickard’s name might not sound familiar to every hockey fan, but his journey to success with the Oilers in the 2023-24 season is worth celebrating. Drafted by the Colorado Avalanche in 2010, Pickard’s career has been marked by one simple fact. He might have quit long ago, but he hung in there and kept on keeping on.

His perseverance and resilience are noteworthy. They also paid off. Despite bouncing around various NHL and AHL teams, Pickard has remained steadfast in his pursuit of success.

Throughout the 2023-24 season, Pickard found his stride with the Oilers. He appeared in 23 games and posted impressive stats with a 2.45 goals-against average (GAA) and a .909 save percentage. His reliability as a backup goalie contributed to his team’s success, evident in his six-game winning streak in February 2024.

Despite facing challenges along the way, such as a tough loss to the Minnesota Wild in late February, Pickard’s overall performance has been commendable. He had a standout game against the Calgary Flames, where he stopped 33 of 35 shots. During the regular season, the game hints about the possibility of his importance to the Oilers’ lineup. Last night, he showed it.

The Oilers Gave Pickard a Chance to Revive His Career, and He Jumped on It

During an interview with Scott Oake earlier in the season, Pickard expressed gratitude for the opportunity to revive his NHL career with the Oilers. He credited his resurgence to being prepared and seizing the chances when they arose. With a humble yet optimistic outlook, Pickard stressed his excitement for the Oilers’ prospects and his readiness to contribute to their success.

As Oilers fans, witnessing Pickard’s hard work and dedication pay off has helped his team. His journey reminds us of how difficult a hockey player’s life might be and the determination it sometimes takes to succeed.

Congratulations to Pickard’s well-deserved success. His solid game came at the right time for the Oilers!

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

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