Calvin Pickard puts perfect playoff record on the line in crucial Stanley Cup Final start for Edmonton Oilers
After pulling the Edmonton Oilers out of the fire in Game 4, goalie Calvin Pickard is getting the nod to make the first Stanley Cup Final start of his career in Game 5.
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Pickard was sent in to relieve Stuart Skinner after the Oilers fell behind 3-0 in the first period of Thursday's game, making 22 saves on the way to a 5-4 overtime win.
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That pushed his record to 7-0, with a 2.69 goals-against average and .896 save percentage through nine previous games of these playoffs.
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Not too shabby, especially for a, quote-unquote, backup.
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'It's exciting, it's a good opportunity for me, obviously,' Pickard said following Saturday's morning skate. 'It feels like another game for me, getting the time in last game and not having much time to think about it, not having much room for error and our team battling back and getting the win, gives you some confidence.
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'The building is going to be electric tonight, and it's going to be an exciting day.'
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Despite the success the Oilers have had playing in front of Pickard, head coach Kris Knoblauch said choosing his Game 5 starter wasn't automatic.
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'It wasn't an easy call because we have two good goaltenders,' he said. 'Stu has come in and played some really big games, especially later in the series. But I think the deciding factor for us is that we won the previous game and (Pickard) made a lot of big saves. That was probably the deciding factor.'
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But the name of the game remains the same for the rest of the Oilers, who know they can't simply rely on more magic from Pickard to get them where they want to go in these playoffs.
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'We have a lot of belief in both guys and, obviously, both guys can step up and give us a chance to win,' said Connor McDavid. 'That's what we're looking for (Pickard) to do tonight, he's done that all playoffs.'
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Pickard got his first start of these playoffs in Game 3 of the opening round against the Los Angeles Kings, winning six games in a row before getting injured against the Vegas Golden Knights in Round 2.
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'I don't know what it is, if it's the confidence he brings to the game and it rubs off on everyone or what, but it's been a great run with him,' said Oilers defenceman Brett Kulak. 'You can't ask more from a player or a goalie in any position, really, when you're called upon to be at your best.
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