Pickford Ready For A Big Playoff Run?

During Game 1, Pickford extended his playoff goal streak to 9 games, which dates back to when he truly started to break out during last year’s playoffs. His goal on Friday showcased his abilities to pinch and find open space as he scored from near the goalline with a one-timer that came from a perfect pass by teammate Andrew Basha, who has also been incredible for the already high-powered Tigers offence since returning late in the season from an AHL stint at the beginning of the year with the Calgary Wranglers. With Pickford, his defensive partner Jonas Woo, Basha, and the Ruck twins (Marcus and Liam), the Tigers are an absolute juggernaut that have a serious shot at repeating as WHL Champions and going to yet another Memorial Cup.

With all their offensive power, there is no reason that they shouldn’t handle the Pats easily throughout this series; however, they must not let games get past them like it did on Saturday too often. On top of Saturday’s loss, Pickford’s 9-game WHL playoff goal streak came to an end. While it is a sad ending to his streak, it is still impressive how hot he’s been as a goal scorer ever since the 3rd round of the 2025 WHL playoffs. He also scored two goals in the opening game of the Memorial Cup  In all honesty, looking at that streak from last year, the signs that he’d have a breakout season this year were there as he completely took his game and shot to the next level.

Last year, Pickford finished second in goals for the Tigers during the playoffs; however, before Game 2 of the 3rd Round series against the Lethbridge Hurricanes, he had just 3 goals in the first 10 games. Those goals also came from a 3-game goal streak at the start, so he went cold for a little before he broke into a goal-scoring star and has since never turned back.

Although his goal-scoring streak has officially ended, the confidence that Pickford has in his shot is very clear, and we should expect him to get back on the scoresheet to help lead the Tigers over the Pats and possibly a few other teams for a long playoff run once again, as this will be his last chance to win a Memorial Cup. He has been lucky enough to get there twice and play two very different roles in each. The first time was his rookie WHL season with the Seattle Thunderbirds, where he served as a defensive shutdown guy. Last season, he became an offensive defenseman for the Tigers in their Memorial Cup run. One last time would be an amazing experience for the Habs prospect before he turns pro.

Earlier on Tuesday, Pickford, alongside the Ruck twins, was named to the WHL Eastern Conference all-star team. This is just one of many honours that he has had for his record-breaking season as the highest goal-scoring defenseman in the 21st century.

Do you think Bryce Pickford and the Medicine Hat Tigers have what it takes to have a go at the Memorial Cup for a 2nd year in a row, or do you see them falling short?