Avalanche fans weren't expecting this reason to tune into the Stanley Cup Final
Photo credit: AP Photo / Lynne Sladky
Cheering for a Western Conference rival definitely feels unusual for a devoted Colorado Avalanche fan.
In case you forgot, Edmonton Oilers' goalie Calvin Pickard was selcted 49th overall by the Avalanche in the second round of the 2010 NHL Draft.
Avalanche fans find themselves cheering for a divisional rival in the Stanley Cup Final.
Aaron Poorman from Mile High Sticking writes that this postseason, an Oilers goaltender has already been likened to an Avalanche championship, specifically, Stuart Skinner to Darcy Kuemper. But the comparison might go even further.
In many ways, Pickard is shaping up to be Edmonton's version of Pavel Francouz. And Avalanche fans know better than anyone how crucial "Frankie" was to their 2022 Stanley Cup run.
"It was injury and not shaky play that forced Colorado's hand, but it all speaks to how ultimate team success is a collective achievement. Pickard was brilliant in the Game 4 comeback win. He entered with the Oilers down 3-0, and wasn't beaten until the tides had shifted almost completely. Florida scored with under a minute left to send it to OT for a third time in the series. Where some career backups would fold, Pickard did not. He was every bit up to the task for the Oilers to steal Game Four after looking dead in the water." -Poorman
Edmonton turned to Pickard for the start in Game 5, and while the outcome wasn't ideal, it's hard to pin the loss on goaltending. The Oilers managed just three shots on goal in the first period and didn't show much offensive urgency until the closing moments of the game.
"Who among us does not love an unlikely hero's journey? At this point, either Edmonton goalie will be doubted. They will be up against tremendous odds and a defending Champion who smells a second straight Stanley Cup." -Poorman
It's still unclear who will get the nod in net for Edmonton's must-win Game 6. But there's hope that Pickard get another shot to rise to the occasion. Even if the Oilers turn back to Skinner on Tuesday night, there'll still be plenty of support for Pickard to come through and be the hero Canada didn't know it needed.
Source:
Mile High Sticking
Ex-Avalanche goalie gives Colorado fans someone to root for in Stanley Cup Finals
Mile High Sticking
Ex-Avalanche goalie gives Colorado fans someone to root for in Stanley Cup Finals
| POLL | ||
JUIN 17 | 12 ANSWERS Avalanche fans weren't expecting this reason to tune into the Stanley Cup Final Do you think Calvin Pickard get the start in goal in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final on Tuesday? | ||
| yes | 3 | 25 % |
| no | 9 | 75 % |
| List of polls | ||
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