The Edmonton Oilers issue an important update on Calvin Pickard
Although the game was just a preseason matchup, the intensity was cranked right up. Many Oilers prospects were fighting for a position on the roster, therefore, the significance of the game was emphasized.
With that being said, backup goaltender Calvin Pickard faced a scary situation - colliding with his own goal post when Noah Philp came crashing into the net. Although the play was completely unintentional, Pickard was forced to leave the game due to concussion protocol.
According to Athlon Sports, head coach Kris Knoblauch couldn't offer an update after the game, but he shared an update on Sunday's practice, via NHL.com.
"We expect him to be back on the ice in a few days," Knoblauch said. "His neck is pretty sore and we're obviously being cautious, but he should be alright."
The Oilers still have three preseason games on their schedule before taking on the Winnipeg Jets during the season opener on Oct. 9, when Pickard is expected to be available to play, per NHL.com.
This is great news for Oilers fans who were definitely holding their breath upon the accident. Kris Knoblauch states that Calvin Pickard has a "sore" neck, but has not sustained any significant damage
The veteran, 32, is coming off a strong year where he posted a .909 save percentage winning 12-of-23 starts. Pickard also started two playoff games, getting another nod on relief and ending with a 1-1 record in last year's postseason run to the Stanley Cup Final.
All of that was enough for the Oilers to sign Pickard to a two-year, $2 million contract extension, making him the bonafide backup to No. 1 netminder Stuart Skinner. Although Pickard will likely be sitting out the rest of the preseason, it's good to know he'll be good to go when the oilers take on the Jets on October 9th.
source: Athlon Sports
Oilers Issue Update on Calvin Pickard's Feared Injury Scenario
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