Edmonton Oilers taking major risk with new plan for goalie Calvin Pickard
Photo credit: Imagn Images
The Edmonton Oilers are continuing to stick with backup goalie Calvin Pickard in every start since Stuart Skinner has been injured, which is running a serious risk of now hurting their only healthy NHL goalie.
Rookie goalie Olivier Rodrigue was called up from the AHL after Skinner's injury, and was originally slotted to start against the San Jose Sharks. Instead, Edmonton made a bizarre choice to start Pickard as well.
Edmonton Oilers running a significant risk by starting Calvin Pickard so many times in a row
Calvin Pickard deserved to get the last start in an important game against the Los Angeles Kings over Rodrigue, there's no question about that.
However, the Oilers could've broken up Pickard's workload with the start against San Jose, and now instead they'll put significant stress on him with 5 starts in a row - against a top tier opponent.
Even Stuart Skinner this season has mostly started 3-4 games before switching off to Pickard. After only playing once every few contests, it may be a lot to ask Pickard to start every game in Skinner's absence - and it may even risk an injury.
Currently, Stuart Skinner is expected to be back before the playoffs, but his injury timeline is unclear as head injuries can be unpredictable. With Skinner out, the Oilers absolutely need to prioritize Pickard's health.
Rodrigue himself is a quality young goalie that deserves to get a start too. Against the rebuilding San Jose Sharks was a perfect opportunity, and another one will be their next game against the Anaheim Ducks. Rodrigue is currently believed to be getting the start, but it may be subject to change.
It's great that Pickard got through today's tough game against matchup against the Kings, but from now on, the Oilers just need to make sure he's healthy.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 5 | 740 ANSWERS Edmonton Oilers taking major risk with new plan for goalie Calvin Pickard Do you think Calvin Pickard is playing too much right now? | ||
| Yes | 281 | 38 % |
| No | 459 | 62 % |
| List of polls | ||
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