Oilers coach hints at next goalie start after snapping losing streak vs Carolina Hurricanes
Photo credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
The Edmonton Oilers were in their final game of their eastern road trip an managed to beat the Carolina Hurricanes 3-1 which led head coach Kris Knoblauch hinting to Calvin Pickard's next start.
"I think the last two games we did a much better job of digging in & competing a lot harder... Tonight we were able to keep the puck out of the net with Picks making some big saves." Kris Knoblauch
Oilers go home after salvaging a win during their road swing
This eastern road trip was certainly a disappointing series of games as the Oilers emerged from the Four Nations face off unable to beat any teams and showing poor performances on all three levels of the game.
Knoblauch had stated that some improvement was seen in the Oilers play during their game against the Florida Panthers where they lost 4-3.
This win, however, was exactly what the Oilers needed as they fly home back to Edmonton before they take on the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday night.
With this win and the play that Pickard showed, it's likely he may go back to Calvin Pickard to try to help build some confidence for the Oilers as he views them as a fragile team even with the win.
Pickard trying to find consistency in his game
Over his last five starts which stretched from January 27th through March 1st, he has a record of 3-2-0 And save percentages in three games over .900.
It's likely Knoblauch will go back to him for some parts of the stretch run as the team looks to give Stuart Skinner some rest and perhaps see what Pickard do as the NHL trade deadline is only five days away.
His career began in 2010 where he was drafted by the Colorado Avalanche, second round 49th overall. In 2014 he had stops with the Avalanche, Maple Leafs, Flyers, Coyotes, Red Wings and the Oilers.
He has been a backup for all of his career and it's clearly where he will remain but if he could find his consistency, the Oilers could have some relief in net well allowing Skinner to reset mentally and perhaps be ready for the playoffs.
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