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Oilers Calvin Pickard suffers setback: exits game early

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Daniel Lucente
September 29, 2024  (10:11)
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Calvin Packard of the Edmonton Oilers holds his mask
Photo credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Following a dangerous, scary collision, Oilers goaltender Calvin Pickard was unable to remain in his net and had to exit the game early.

It was an unfortunate ending for Edmonton Oilers goaltender Calvin Pickard on Saturday night during a pre-season match against the Seattle Kraken. The 32-year-old had his night cut short in the first period after an unfortunate collision with his teammate Noah Philip. The impact sent Pickard falling hard onto the ice, a sequence that involuntarily managed to see him leave the game sooner than he would have liked.

Olivier Rodrigue replaced him between the pipes after Pickard's rapid departure. For what it's worth, Pickard did not reappear on the Oilers bench for the second period, further raising the question about his status. After the game, head coach Kris Knoblauch indicated that Pickard was still being assessed and an update would be provided Sunday. As a side note, Rodrigue almost got knocked out of the game too in a separate collision!

Pickard was supposed to be the Oilers' number one backup this season. This after Edmonton re-signed him in June to a two-year, $2 million contract extension. The experienced netminder was stellar last season, taking over the backup role from Jack Campbell and playing 23 games with a record of 12-7-1, a 2.45 goals-against average, and a .909 save percentage.

Last season also saw Pickard step in during the Stanley Cup playoffs and give starter Stuart Skinner a bit of rest. He appeared in two games, finishing with a 1-1 record and some great numbers, including a 2.21 goals-against average and a .915 save percentage. Before joining the Oilers in the NHL, Pickard played for the Bakersfield Condors of the AHL, where he notched an excellent 23-12-2 record during the 2022-23 season.

Until further word is available regarding Calvin Pickard's status, his role in crease depth remains an important one for the Oilers. For this season, the hope will be that he heals quickly and gets ready to roll ahead of opening night.

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29 SEPTEMBRE   |   63 ANSWERS
Oilers Calvin Pickard suffers setback: exits game early

Will Calvin Pickard be healthy to start the season?

Yes3047.6 %
No3352.4 %
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