Oilers hand Game 5 start to long-lost former Avalanche draft pick

The 32-year-old will take on the Florida Panthers after coming off the bench to make 23 saves in Edmonton's thrilling 5-4 overtime win on Thursday, which tied the best-of-seven Stanley Cup Final at 2-2.

Sportsnet writes that after a sluggish and lackluster first period that saw the Oilers fall behind 3-0, and with Stuart Skinner giving up three goals on 17 shots despite making some key saves, Pickard took over in net to begin the second period.

With the win, Pickard remained undefeated in the playoffs, improving to a flawless 7-0 record. The former journeyman previously stepped in for Skinner during the opening round against the Los Angeles Kings when Edmonton trailed 2-0. He went on to win six consecutive starts before an injury in Game 2 of the second round against the Vegas Golden Knights allowed Skinner to reclaim the starting role.

Pickard was drafted in the second-round by the Colorado Avalanche in 2010. He spent three season in Denver before being claimed by the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2017 Expansion Draft.

The starting job was Skinner's to lose, and for the second time this postseason, he has. After a winding journey, the crease now belongs to Pickard for the rest of the Oilers' season. With everything on the line, it's Cup or bust.

Game 6 of this thrilling Stanley Cup Final is set for Tuesday in Sunrise, Florida. If the series goes the distance, Game 7 would take place in Edmonton on Friday.

Source:
Sportsnet
Calvin Pickard to start in net for Oilers in Game 5 vs. Panthers