Oilers’ Pickard pulled after giving up five goals vs. Kraken, Rodrigue makes debut

It might not be the best situation to make your NHL debut in, but it’s a first nonetheless.

Edmonton Oilers goaltender Olivier Rodrigue made his big-league debut on Friday night after starter Calvin Pickard was pulled for giving up five goals.

The 24-year-old was recalled by the Oilers on an emergency basis earlier on Sunday and slotted in as the team’s backup with regular starter Stuart Skinner banged up.

Rodrigue drew into the crease for the start of the third period after Pickard was on the receiving end of a five-goal second period. That tally was a record for the Kraken, marking the most goals the team has scored in a frame at home.

Things fell apart for Pickard midway through the frame, as three quick goals from Jani Nyman, Matty Beniers and Andre Burakovsky in just over two minutes turned a close game into a blowout.

Burakovsky’s goal was especially easy, as the forward collected a pass from the point and tucked it into an open net, with Pickard cheating far too deep to the left-hand side of the crease.

Rodrigue has a 3.05 goals-against average and .899 save percentage in 40 games for the Bakersfield Condors this season.

The Chicoutimi, Que., native was selected by the Oilers 62nd overall in the second round of the 2018 NHL Draft.