Oilers’ Pickard Stars with 22 Saves in Game 4 Overtime Win

SUNRISE, Fla. — Calvin Pickard may have saved the season for the Edmonton Oilers in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final. Pickard made 22 saves in relief during a 5-4 overtime win against the Florida Panthers at Amerant Bank Arena on Thursday, with his most critical stop coming on Sam Bennett’s one-timer midway through the extra period.

After being inserted as a substitute goalie for the second consecutive game, Pickard slid across the crease to deflect Bennett’s shot, which hit the crossbar after his glove stop. “I kind of read it pretty well, and then I looked in my glove and it wasn’t there,” he said. “Then I heard the crowd oohing and aahing, and it was a good bounce.”

This play set up the Oilers’ game-winning goal by Leon Draisaitl at 11:18 of overtime, tying the best-of-7 series 2-2. “We’re down 3-0, he’s coming in cold and it’s not easy. He makes those key stops that we really need,” Draisaitl said of Pickard’s performance.

Pickard provided energy for an Oilers team that trailed 3-0 entering the second period. He stopped 10 shots in the second, allowing Edmonton to score three goals and equalize. Defenseman Evan Bouchard then gave Edmonton a short-lived lead before the Panthers leveled the score again.

“Our team was flat. We needed to change things up, and it was great the way Pickard played,” said Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch. “He made some really big saves.”

Pickard’s playoff journey has been remarkable. He stepped into the starting role for the Oilers during the first round against the Los Angeles Kings and helped the team win four straight games after losing the first two. However, an injury in the second round forced him to sit out until now.

After joining the playoff run again in Game 4 against the Dallas Stars, Pickard faced competition from Stuart Skinner, who had been excelling in his absence. With Pickard back, he has made clear he is capable of keeping the Oilers competitive in the championship series.

“It was outstanding for him to come in off the bench and make some massive saves,” said Oilers forward and captain Connor McDavid. “Stu didn’t play bad at all; it just comes down to us giving them too many easy looks.”

The Oilers are now hoping that Pickard can lead them to victory once more as they prepare for Game 5 back in Edmonton on Saturday. “He’s had a high level for us as a group. He’s been amazing for us,” noted defenseman Troy Stecher.