Oilers Calvin Pickard reveals his NHL career was nearly over before playoff run
Photo credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Recently, Edmonton Oilers goaltender Calvin Pickard thought his career had come to an end in the NHL as he struggled with his game.
Those thoughts have come to an end as Pickard has helped lead the charge with the Oilers after being down 2-0 in the first round against the Los Angeles Kings and now is carrying the Oilers into the second round.
Pickard spoke to Sportsnet revealed his doubt a return to the NHL
Pickard had a sit down interview with Sportsnet's Hockey analyst Colby Armstrong revealing that he had doubt about his chances of returning to the NHL after a poor start in his second year as a pro.
«Definitely my 2nd year as a pro did not go as well as my first year that was the first level of adversity I've ever saw, there were definitely days that I didn't know if I was going to get back» - Calvin Pickard
Pickard has seen many teams over his career which includes several stops in the American Hockey League another NHL teams such as the Toronto Maple Leafs, Colorado Avalanche, Detroit Red Wings, Philadelphia Flyers and the Arizona Coyotes.
Pickard got to a point where he felt that he was going to go down swinging trying to salvage his career saying he would be just sent down to the AHL.
«I had a couple of opportunities here and there but could never get comfortable playing in the NHL, same thing last year I had another opportunity at the start of the year you know I was like saying screw it, if you're going to go down go down swinging what's the worst that could happen you're going to go back to the American League» - Calvin Pickard
Through six games played, he has a record of 5-0 with a goals against of 2.76 and a save percentage of .891.
Oiler netminder feels different this season and the playoffs
After many years of doubt, Pickard has felt better about his game with the Oilers this year as he had played several games down the stretch and has kept himself sharp and ready to go as he was tapped on the shoulder to take over for Stuart Skinner in round one.
«I played a decent amount down the stretch this year which kept me sharp obviously, still some nerves as we were down 2-0 but I felt comfortable where my game was at and where I fit in with the team and how how I played down the stretch.» - Calvin Pickard
Put the season on the line, Pickard stepped into the starting role and provided enough goaltending to get the Oilers past the first round and now winning their first game in round two against the Vegas Golden Knights.
Game 2 will be taking place on May 8th and game time will be at 9:30 PM eastern at T-Mobile arena.
| POLL | ||
MAI 7 | 855 ANSWERS Oilers Calvin Pickard reveals his NHL career was nearly over before playoff run Do you think Oilers goalie Calvin Pickard can carry the Oilers through the playoffs? | ||
| Yes | 791 | 92.5 % |
| No | 64 | 7.5 % |
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