Edmonton Oilers players singing Pickard's praises after four straight wins
It wasn’t how they drew it up, but the Edmonton Oilers are headed to the second round for the second straight year.
The Oilers appeared to be in serious trouble early in this series, as they found themselves in a 2-0 hole versus the LA Kings, during which time they’d been outscored 12-7. The ugly first two showings resulted in head coach Kris Knoblauch turning to Calvin Pickard between the pipes, and it paid off in big fashion.
Much like the regular season, Pickard’s numbers were nothing outstanding, but he seems to find ways to win. After a career-high 22 wins in the regular season, he was able to rifle off four straight victories to eliminate the Kings in six games.
“We love playing for him,” Connor McDavid said afterward. “He’s been a guy that’s just been a battler his whole career, couldn’t be a better guy. We love playing for him, we love battling for him. He does a great job giving us a chance. It’s great.”
For whatever reason, the Oilers do seem to bring their best when playing in front of Pickard. The 33-year-old, who, prior to the 2023-24 season had spent several seasons in the AHL, is quickly becoming a feel-good story for what is a very good team.
“Picks is able to come in and give us such solid performances night after night,” Connor Brown said. “He’s overcome so much in his career. He’s been down and out, so he knows what he can overcome.”
Despite allowing four goals on only 27 shots, Pickard was once again able to come up with big saves at the right time, particularly late in the third where he made an incredible stop on Brandt Clarke to keep the Oilers out in front.
WHAT A SAVE BY CALVIN PICKARD!
š„: Sportsnet | #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/aIu3XKBM5A
— Oilersnation.com, Oily Since ā07 (@OilersNation) May 2, 2025
“It was wide open, there were a ton of turnovers [on] both sides,” head coach Kris Knoblauch said. “Lot of scoring chances, not easy for either goaltender to play. I thought Picks, under the circumstances, played really well. Deflections, shots from the slot, one timers, especially giving up a couple goals early… they got two goals on their first three shots, and then I thought he was outstanding after that.”
The Oilers will now prepare for a second-round series versus the Vegas Golden Knights, who also advanced last night after eliminating the Minnesota Wild in Game 6. While it has yet to be confirmed who will start in net for that series, fans shouldn’t be surprised whatsoever to see Pickard get the call again.