Pickard had a great stint with the Avalanche, winning three games in three starts and two relief appearances, while posting a 1.99 GAA and .936 SV%. With Semyon Varlamov set to return on Thursday, the Avalanche had to send Pickard back to the AHL.
Pickard allowed two goals on 24 shots in the Avalanche’s win over the Stars on Saturday. Since being recalled, Pickard has posted three wins with a 1.41 GAA and .955 SV% in two starts and four appearances. He allowed three goals on 36 shots in a 3-2 loss in his first start against Montreal.
Pickard allowed three goals on 45 shots in the Avs loss to the Blackhawks on Wednesday. Pickard has been sensational in his short time with the big clue, which has led to them placing Reto Berra on waivers, so it looks like the kid is here to stay. He has a 1.18 GAA and .966 SV% in his last three appearances.
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.