The Edmonton Oilers could also be going through an sudden goaltending dilemma after netminder Calvin Pickard left Saturday night time’s preseason sport in opposition to the Seattle Kraken as a result of an obvious harm. Pickard, who’s slated to be the group’s backup this season, went down with simply over eight minutes left within the first interval. He was taken out after a collision with teammate Noah Philp compelled him to exit.
The incident occurred when Seattle ahead Yanni Gourde drove to the online within the first interval, pushing Oilers middle Noah Philp into Pickard. The goaltender went down awkwardly, instantly grabbing his facemask after shaking off his blocker. He ultimately received up on his personal and seemed OK, however Pickard didn’t return to the sport and was changed by AHL goaltender Olivier Rodrigue.
Rodrigue, 24, got here in reduction and completed the rest of the sport. He performed nicely sufficient to earn the win, making 19 saves on 22 pictures in opposition to. He’s the Oilers’ de facto quantity three goalie and he is likely to be the No. 2 if Pickard misses any vital time.
After the sport, Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch supplied a short replace, stating that Pickard was being evaluated and that the group hoped to have extra info on his standing by Sunday.
The Oilers Had been Counting on Pickard to Play Extra This Season
Pickard, 31, was anticipated to function the backup to starter Stuart Skinner this season after signing a two-year cope with Edmonton within the offseason. He posted stable numbers in 23 regular-season appearances final yr, recording a 12-7-1 file, a .909 save share, and a 2.45 goals-against common. The hope was that he would get into extra video games, permitting Skinner to take extra relaxation time.
Though it doesn’t seem that Pickard’s harm is critical, his untimely exit was seemingly a precautionary transfer by the Oilers’ employees. Nonetheless, if Pickard is sidelined for an prolonged interval, Rodrigue might see his position expanded.
Rodrigue was anticipated to start out the season with the AHL’s Bakersfield Condors. He had a robust 2023-24 marketing campaign with a 19-12-5 file, a .916 save share, and a 2.73 goals-against common.
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