What's Happening?
Calvin Pickard, the goaltender for the Edmonton Oilers, is set to start in the first of a back-to-back series against the St. Louis Blues at the Enterprise Center. Pickard, who is 33 years old, has a record
of 2-1-1 this season with a goals-against average (GAA) of 3.50 and a save percentage of .846. His last appearance was during a 4-3 overtime loss to the Vancouver Canucks, where he made 23 saves on 27 shots. The Oilers are looking to improve their performance in back-to-back games, having lost the first game in their previous two back-to-back series. They will face the Blues, who are currently on a seven-game losing streak.
Why It's Important?
The decision to start Pickard is significant for the Oilers as they aim to break their losing streak in back-to-back games. The performance of the goaltender can heavily influence the outcome of the game, especially against a struggling team like the Blues. A win could provide the Oilers with much-needed momentum and confidence. Additionally, the Oilers' strategy to rotate their goaltenders, with Stuart Skinner set to play the following game against the Dallas Stars, highlights their tactical approach to managing player fatigue and optimizing performance.
What's Next?
Following the game against the Blues, the Oilers will continue their road trip to face the Dallas Stars. The outcome of these games could impact their standings and influence future lineup decisions. The Oilers will need to assess the performance of both Pickard and Skinner to determine their goaltending strategy moving forward.
