Former Detroit Red Wings Goalie Calvin Pickard Has Willed The Edmonton Oilers Far

Calvin Pickard played for the Detroit Red Wings from 2019 to 2022, with a quick stop in Austria during the shortened 2020 season.

Now, the former 49th overall pick in the 2010 NHL Draft by the Colorado Avalanche has taken the Edmonton Oilers streaking, with a 2-0 lead against the Vegas Golden Knights.

Pickard has come in clutch for the Edmonton Oilers, as he helped the team win 5-4 in OT last night, making 28 saves, giving the team a chance to win on home ice in Rogers Place.

He's taken the reins from former starting goalie Stuart Skinner and hasn't looked back since. Pickard has punched far above his weight, as someone who has been seen primarily as a depth goalie in the NHL until recently.

The former Red Wings goalie has managed to piece together six-straight wins, and four of those against their rivals, the Los Angeles Kings.

All six of these games have something in common; the Oilers give up the first-goal of the game only to mount a comeback.

He's helped the Oilers pick up the pieces and come from behind every time to win each game. Pickard comes from humble beginnings, starting his professional hockey career with the Lake Erie Monsters, now the Cleveland Monsters.

While he was considered one of the best to put on a Monsters uniform, he's since been dethroned by Columbus Blue Jackets prospect, Jet Greaves.

Pickard in Cleveland has an impressive record of 142-60-50, and is second all-time in TOI, saves, and GAA, along with 10 shutouts.

Now it appears his career is peaking late, and it's with the Oilers, instead of any of his former clubs like the Red Wings.

You have to love playoff hockey for storylines like these.

Although the pain of his loss is now stinging, considering he's coming into his own late in his career at the age of 33.