Oilers coach Knoblauch offers update on Calvin Pickard injury
Photo credit: Sportsnet
Oilers backup goalie Calvin Pickard was pulled from the last preseason game with an injury, and today Coach Knoblauch offered an update.
Pickard was run over in the crease by his teammate Noah Philp, and fell back into the net hard. According to Knoblauch at practice today, Pickard injured his neck falling back into the post and is only expected to be out for a few days. Thankfully, he'll be ready for the regular season.
The 32 year old journeyman backup goalie played a hugely important role on the Oilers last year. When the team was getting inconsistent goaltending from Jack Campbell or even Stuart Skinner in the playoffs, Pickard was able to step in and be a steady presence whenever he was asked.
For a team that's often had a great deal of uncertainty in the crease, it's awesome to be able to rely on a veteran professional goalie. In 23 games last year, Pickard posted a solid .909 save percentage, and may be asked to start more games this year to lessen the load on Skinner.
Earlier this offseason, the Oilers signed Pickard to an extremely fair contract for two seasons at just $1M. He perhaps could've found a bit more money or playing time elsewhere, but the opportunity to play on a cup-contending team is worth the trade off.
The Oilers should be feeling pretty confident with their goalies heading into the season for the first time in quite a while. Even behind Pickard, the Oilers have a quality young goalie ready to make the jump to the NHL in Olivier Rodrigue. In a season where they could win the Stanley Cup every roster position will matter, especially depth in the crease.
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29 SEPTEMBRE | 96 ANSWERS Oilers coach Knoblauch offers update on Calvin Pickard injury Do you think Pickard will play more than 30 games this year? | ||
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