Goaltending is often seen as a crucial element in hockey, yet sportsbooks appear to miscalculate its influence on game outcomes. For instance, the Edmonton Oilers have shown inconsistency in performance when Stuart Skinner starts, achieving only a 16-16 record as favorites, and a dismal 9-23 against the spread. Conversely, Calvin Pickard, Skinner's backup, leads the Oilers to a 12-3 record on the moneyline when he takes the lead, suggesting a significant misvaluation of Skinner's impact on betting lines.

The findings indicate that betting against the Oilers when Skinner is in net could be a savvy strategy, as the team has only covered three times when underdogs with him starting. As the Oilers prepare to face the St. Louis Blues, the decision on which goaltender to deploy could have a substantial betting implication.

Calvin Pickard has emerged as a crucial player for the Edmonton Oilers this season, stepping up in net during Connor McDavid's return from suspension. With 26 saves, Pickard's performance helped secure a 4-2 victory over the Seattle Kraken, marking the Oilers' third consecutive win and placing them back in first in the Pacific Division. At 32, he holds a 13-4-0 record this season and has been outstanding, particularly with a 9-1 mark in his last 10 starts.

His unexpected reliability has been pivotal as the Oilers have won 11 of their last 14 games. Having spent the previous season with the Oilers' AHL affiliate, Pickard was initially brought in as a backup amidst struggles from starter Jack Campbell. With a goals-against average of 2.50, he credits his success to playing behind a strong team that consistently knows how to win.

The Oilers recently signed Tyler Palmer to serve as Pickard's backup while usual netminder Stuart Skinner took a personal day. This shift underscores the team's trust in Pickard, who has proven to be more than a capable backup amidst the challenges faced by the Oilers this season.

Calvin Pickard has emerged as a reliable goaltender for the Edmonton Oilers, achieving a commendable record of 13-4-0 this season. His performance has been pivotal in a string of victories, including a recent 4-2 win against the Seattle Kraken, which marked the Oilers' third consecutive win, reinstating them at the top of the Pacific Division. With 26 saves in this game, Pickard has proven himself as a capable backup behind Stuart Skinner, notably going 9-1 in his last ten starts and contributing to the team's success by winning 11 of their last 14 games.

Pickard's journey has been tumultuous, having navigated through five NHL teams and spending a season with the Oilers' AHL affiliate. Initially perceived as a stopgap goalie, he has consistently defied expectations, demonstrating professionalism and reliability when called upon, especially in Skinner's absence during a personal moment. With confidence from teammates like Corey Perry, who praised his work ethic, Pickard is finding stability in a position he has long sought.

The Edmonton Oilers bounced back from a recent loss with a commanding 6-2 victory over the Vancouver Canucks. Zach Hyman led the charge with two goals and an assist, while Leon Draisaitl contributed with one goal and two assists. The win comes after a frustrating two-game losing streak and a previous tight matchup against the same team. Superstar Connor McDavid was absent due to suspension, prompting a collective effort from the team. Hyman, playing without a face shield for the first time since an injury, commented on the team's resilience and performance. Draisaitl's scoring prowess was evident as he extended his lead in the league with his 35th goal and continued a personal point streak.

The Edmonton Oilers found redemption with a dominating 6-2 win against the Vancouver Canucks, ending a two-game losing streak. Zach Hyman led the charge with two goals and an assist, while Leon Draisaitl contributed a goal and two assists. The victory came with the absence of superstar Connor McDavid and Canucks' Tyler Myers, both serving suspensions for cross-checking incidents.

Hyman, playing without a face shield for the first time since recovering from a broken nose, credited his teammates' effort across all four lines. Coach Kris Knoblauch praised the defensive contributions and the stellar performance of goalie Calvin Pickard, who made 24 saves. Draisaitl's league-leading 35th goal extended his point streak to eight games, showcasing his pivotal role in the team's recent success.