There’s a Pickard Problem the Oilers Can’t Ignore Anymore

Calvin Pickard is one of the most respected players in the Edmonton Oilers’ dressing room. Because of the number of places he’s been, he might be one of the most well-liked players in the NHL. It’s often been joked that when he retires, he should run for office because he knows and talks to everyone. He was a great story last season, stepping in during the playoffs and giving the club dependable minutes when they desperately needed stability.

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Unfortunately, being well-liked and coming off a solid season doesn’t matter now. The results this year are undeniable and can’t be brushed aside anymore.

Pickard’s Numbers Are Horrendous

After Thursday’s game versus the Columbus Blue Jackets, Pickard sits at an .830 save percentage — dead last in the NHL among goalies with at least five starts. His 4.17 GAA is also the worst in the league, and the six-game stretch he’s riding right now is painful to look at: save percentages of .750, .762, .864, .852, .815, and .818. To argue these numbers are solely on Pickard would be unfair, but even if the defense is partially to blame, no coach, no locker room, and no playoff contender can survive goaltending like that.

The loss in Columbus was a perfect example. Edmonton didn’t play well for much of that hockey game, but asking the team to score six goals to win is a lot. Honestly, it was fortunate not to be more; the Blue Jackets hit five or six posts, several of which got through Pickard. This could have been a 7-4 or an 8-4 game quite easily.

One could argue the Oilers don’t play much better in front of Stuart Skinner either. That said, it seems clear that the magical run Pickard gave the Oilers might be over. Playing behind one of the better defenses last season allowed him to shine and pick up a string of wins in the postseason. Behind an average-to-underwhelming defense, Pickard is not getting it done.

Time the Oilers Start Looking for A Different Backup

Oilers GM Stan Bowman is believed to be searching for a cheap, cap-friendly upgrade the moment he can find one. Pickard is beloved — but beloved doesn’t win you games. The Oilers might be waiting for the cavalry to arrive (Zach Hyman and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins), but each game they lose is another two points they’ll need to make up later, with no clear netminding plan.

It’s unfortunate, but the writing is on the wall. Pickard gave the Oilers everything he had. His story was a good one. But his numbers have cratered, and the team around him is not helping him out. One could argue that means no goalie, regardless of their ability, can pull the Oilers out of this funk they’re in. Or, one could argue the Oilers could use a goalie who steals a game or two.

As much as everyone likes Calvin Pickard, the results don’t lie.

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