Do Oilers need goaltending help after Pickard's poor performance?

Edmonton Oilers goaltender Calvin Pickard. Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

Do the Oilers need goaltending help after Calvin Pickard's poor performance?

Originally posted on Oilers Daily | By Liam McCormick | Last updated Jan 11, 2025 11:54 PM ET

Edmonton Oilers goalie Calvin Pickard significantly struggled in Saturday's game over the Chicago Blackhawks, raising the debate of whether the Oilers need to add another goalie for the playoffs.

Earlier this season, reports surfaced that Anaheim Ducks goalie John Gibson would waive his no-move clause for the Oilers, giving Edmonton one solid option if it chooses.

Now halfway through the season, both Oilers goalies have a save percentage below .900, but Pickard's recent usage suggests the team has little confidence in him.

Pickard has mostly played against rebuilding teams this season, and even against an offensively struggling team like Chicago, the Oilers backup allowed some goals that can't happen.

On the Blackhawks first goal, Pickard was caught drifting out of position and deep in his net.

The second goal for Chicago was another weak one against Pickard, who failed to get down and seal the post on a quick play.

If Calvin Pickard can't give the Oilers a quality performance against a team like the Blackhawks, he cannot be relied on if Stuart Skinner goes down with injury in the playoffs.

Gibson is a star level goalie available for trade that could be an option for the Oilers, and after a rough few years, Gibson seems to be proving himself with a very strong season.

Oilers analyst Alan Mitchell has also suggested the team pursue a cheap third goaltender for insurance instead of a star, suggesting Jonathan Quick as a possibility.

"Bowman might feel a low-cost addition (Jonathan Quick of the New York Rangers) would be appropriate, and the team could run three goaltenders into the final stages of the season and playoffs."

The Oilers are a genuine cup contender in the 10th year of McDavid's career, and have no business entering the playoffs with such a glaring positional weakness.

Despite the below average performance from Pickard, the Oilers were able to hold on for a 4-3 win over the Blackhawks. It may have been too close for comfort, pushing the Oilers to make a long overdue goalie trade.

This article first appeared on Oilers Daily and was syndicated with permission.

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