Scenes From Morning Skate: Pickard starts against Canucks, Kane faces former team

Calvin Pickard gets the start tonight for the Edmonton Oilers against the Vancouver Canucks, and the backup goaltender sounds like a different player than the one who entered last season. Better preparation, more confidence, and some tweaks from goaltending coach Peter Aubry have Pickard ready for his first real action of the season.

“I feel way better going into the season this year than I did last year,” began Pickard. “Obviously, I missed most of camp last year; this year, I played a ton in preseason, which is nice.”

Missing camp last year meant playing catch-up from day one. Getting a full preseason this year means Pickard is actually ready when his number gets called instead of trying to find his game on the fly.

Tonight marks his first start of the regular season after playing in the preseason finale against Vancouver just over a week ago.

“I’m a week removed from my last game, against Vancouver,” explained Pickard. “So excited for the opportunity to play tonight, and it’s time to play for real.”

There’s a difference between preseason reps and games that count in the standings, and Pickard knows it.

The confidence in his voice comes from more than just preparation. Goaltending coach Peter Aubry has made some adjustments that Pickard believes were necessary.

“I’m confident,” said Pickard. “Pete’s come in and tweaked some things, and it was time for that.”

New coaching staff means new eyes on old habits, and sometimes a fresh perspective makes all the difference. Whatever Aubry has changed, Pickard clearly believes it’s working.

But confidence doesn’t mean pressure, and Pickard’s been around long enough to know how to approach his starts.

“You always have to be playing well, no matter where you are, no matter who you are. I want to get off to a good start tonight, don’t want to put too much pressure on myself. I’ve been saying it for years, but I’m confident,” he said.

That’s the balance every backup needs—ready to perform without overthinking it.

Tonight adds an extra storyline with Evander Kane now wearing a Canucks jersey. Kane was traded from Edmonton to Vancouver in the offseason.

“Kaner will be slinging pucks from everywhere,” continued Pickard. “I played against Kaner a lot before I came here, too. He’s a really good net front presence; it’ll be good to play against him tonight.”

Kane’s style is familiar territory for Pickard. The net-front presence, the willingness to shoot from anywhere, the physicality around the crease—that’s what makes Kane dangerous, regardless of what jersey he’s wearing. Pickard faced him plenty before they were teammates, and now he’ll face him again from the opposite side.

The Oilers need Pickard to be reliable this season. Stuart Skinner is the starter, but backup goaltending matters over 82 games. Teams that get consistent performances from their backup tend to make playoff runs. Teams that don’t often find themselves scrambling late in the season when injuries or fatigue hit.

Missing most of camp last year put him behind before the season started. A full preseason this year means he’s actually ready when games count. The tweaks from Aubry give him technical adjustments to build on. The confidence in his own game gives him the mental edge to perform when called upon.

Tonight’s start against Vancouver is his chance to prove all of that translates to results. It’s October, so the stakes aren’t life-or-death yet, but it’s still a divisional game at home where the Oilers need two points. Pickard knows what’s expected. He knows this is his opportunity to show that preparation and confidence are worth something when it matters.

The Oilers handed him the start for a reason. Now Pickard gets to show he’s ready for it. Confidence, preparation, and some timely adjustments from a new goalie coach. That’s what Pickard is bringing tonight.

Lines and Pairings

Oilers line combinations vs. the Canucks:

Draisaitl – McDavid – Frederic
Mangiapane – RNH – Savoie
Podkolzin – Philp – Kapanen
Howard – Henrique – Tomasek

Extras: Lazar – Roslovic

Ekholm – Bouchard
Nurse – Regula
Kulak – Emberson

Extras: Walman (IR)-Stecher

Pickard
Skinner