Although the Edmonton Oilers are just 6-4-1 over their last 10 games, it’s fair to say they’ve been getting some solid goaltending from Connor Ingram. He has handled the brunt of the work in net over the past couple weeks. While they have one goalie playing well, they need another one to play a supporting role, and with Tristan Jarry struggling, they don’t have that right now. Edmonton has injuries, so there is wiggle room in the cap at the moment, making it possible to call up Calvin Pickard.
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The veteran goalie was sent down to the American Hockey League’s (AHL) Bakersfield Condors on Feb. 4 after clearing waivers. With Jarry and Ingram looking like the pair for the future at the time, it was the right move. However, now is the time to make an adjustment and bring Pickard back into the fold to see what he can do. The team needs all the help they can get with just 10 games left.
Pickard Has Been Stellar in AHL
The Condors have been playing well lately, keeping up in the AHL’s busy Pacific Division. A big part of that has been the tandem of Pickard and Matt Tomkins. Despite only appearing in five games, Pickard has made a big impact on the minor league team. He has posted a .904 save percentage (SV%) and a 2.75 goals-against average (GAA), including a 22-save shutout on home ice this past Sunday (March 21).
For comparison, Pickard put up a .871 SV% and a 3.68 GAA in 16 starts for Edmonton earlier this season before being sent down. He ranks in the bottom-15 of all goalies in both stat categories. His resurgence with the farm team, however, is a great sign of what he could provide.
It’s not the NHL, but the AHL is no slouch either. Goalies aren’t playing behind guys like Evan Bouchard and Mattias Ekholm in the minors, and they really need to elevate their game. Pickard has done that. It shouldn’t be all that surprising he has stepped up, though, as Oilers fans remember all too well what he’s done the past couple playoff seasons.
Pickard Has Been Clutch For Edmonton
Pickard is used to being shifted around and asked to do anything at the drop of a hat. When Stuart Skinner was having a tough time during Edmonton’s last two playoff runs, Pickard was right there to step in and play a solid game or two to keep the team alive while Skinner got his game back. He holds a career 8-2 playoff record with a .892 SV% and 2.72 GAA. He’s seemingly always a reliable option, so why not turn to him now?
The Oilers are pushing to stay in the playoff race, and consistent goaltending is a big need for them. Ingram needs a break, and barring a Jarry turnaround, they need a backup they know can give them a good game or two. Pickard may have had a shaky start to the season, but the veteran has answered the call many times and is beloved in the Oilers’ locker room, especially by the team’s leaders.
Pickard’s presence and experience in these late-season situations could be beneficial to the Oilers’ goalie room and defence as a whole. The blue line could maybe use a familiar face in the crease for a couple games to help them get back to basics. Management and coaches should consider a call to Bakersfield to bring up their reliable goalie for the remainder of the regular season.
