Concussion spotters pull Oilers goaltender and ready EBUG after getting run over in crease

PUBLICATION

Liam McCormick
March 10, 2024 (2:27 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

Today's game against the Pittsburgh Penguins was an eventful one for the Oilers goalies specifically. For just the second time in franchise history, last accomplished in 1985 against the Nordiques, the two Oilers pulled off a combined shutout. Starter Calvin Pickard was pulled from the game by the concussion spotter after getting run over, and Stuart Skinner had to come in for relief.

Bryan Rust of the Penguins made some significant contact with Pickard in the crease, sending him sprawling to the ice and was pulled just moments after. Thankfully, Skinner had to come in to make only one save in relief before Pickard was able to return for the third period. Very briefly, the Emergency Backup Goalie Mason Win was called to start getting dressed and prepare to head to the Oilers bench. Pickard came back to finish the game, and the Oilers cruised to a 4-0 win.

Some fans and media were calling for the Oilers to add a quality backup goaltender as insurance to injury and to help Skinner with the workload this season - but time and again Pickard has proven himself to be more than a competent backup goalie. In 14 games this season, he has an incredible .919 save percentage with an 8-4 record. Heading into the playoffs, the Oilers should be very comfortable with their goaltending.