Pickard stopped all 25 shots he faced after replacing Reto Berra in the Avs’ come-from-behind win over the Coyotes last night. He has won the first two games of his career in relief efforts—stopping all 42 shots. He has earned the start tonight, but draws a tough matchup vs. the Blackhawks.

Pickard started two games with the Avalanche in mid-October, he lost both while posting a 3.66 GAA and .889 SV%. He has been recalled to backup Reto Berra with Semyon Varlamov battling an injured groin.

With Semyon Varlamov and Reto Berra both dealing with injuries, Pickard will make his first NHL start tonight. He allowed four goals on 27 shots in a relief effort loss to the Senators on Thursday. He is good young goaltender, but is not a great fantasy option tonight vs. the Habs.

Pickard, 22, was the Avs second round pick (49th overall) in 2010. He has never made and NHL appearance but has 94 games of AHL experience. He is 1-1-0 with a 1.52 GAA and .952 SV% in two starts with Lake Erie this season.

J.S Giguere has left the Avs for personal reasons but is expected to rejoin the team in the next couple of days. Pickard likely will not see any game action and will serve as Varlamov's backup.

Pickard only served as a backup with Rinne under the weather. He has no fantasy hockey value.