Pickard’s Best Game of the Season Pauses Oilers Goalie Plans

Calvin Pickard delivered his strongest performance of the season Monday night, stopping 41 of 42 shots as the Edmonton Oilers earned a 3-1 win over the Winnipeg Jets. It was a solid effort by the Oilers, but certainly not their best. Pickard stole the game, and in the process, made a case to keep a spot on a suddenly crowded Oilers roster when it comes to the crease.

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Winnipeg generated 21 Grade A chances and 10 five-alarm shots, yet couldn’t solve the veteran goaltender, who was calm, composed, and locked in from the opening faceoff. Despite a rough start to the 2025-26 season, perhaps we shouldn’t be surprised. Pickard has been a solid backup since his arrival in Edmonton.

“There’s some time between starts here,” he admitted. “But I’m confident. I’m in my third year here, I’m confident behind the group and just trying to do my job.” He noted of his performance on Monday night, “I like where my game is at, just want to keep that going.”

Pickard’s night couldn’t have come at a better time. With Tristan Jarry still injured and Connor Ingram recalled on an emergency basis, Pickard is battling to secure his place on the Oilers’ roster — and possibly cement his NHL future. Head coach Kris Knoblauch didn’t hesitate to call his goalie the team’s best player and performances like these shouldn’t be thrown away. There’s a lot to like so far about the new guys. Both Jarry and Ingram have done their jobs. Pickard isn’t going away, however.

The Oilers were out-chanced and, at times, outplayed. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins provided a spark with a spirited fight, Jack Roslovic’s power-play unit capitalized, and Connor McDavid extended his point streak to 13 games with an assist on Zach Hyman’s empty-netter. Still, the story was Pickard. It was easily his most complete outing of the season.

The Oilers May Have a Decision To Make

Now comes the tricky part. Should Edmonton seriously consider running with three goaltenders — at least temporarily? Ingram is on an emergency recall and can play up to nine NHL games without requiring waivers. He’s appeared in three so far. Once he hits 10, waivers apply. That creates a delicate roster puzzle, especially with Jarry’s return looming.

The immediate question is who starts New Year’s Eve against Boston. Do the Oilers reward Pickard and ride the hot hand? And, if he plays well, does that make things even more complicated? Or do they turn back to Ingram after sitting him, knowing that they need to see how much they can call on him down the stretch this season?

In front of his hometown friends and family, Pickard made his case loud and clear in Winnipeg. The decision won’t be easy — and that’s a good problem to have.

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