Calvin Pickard, the 33-year-old goalie for the Edmonton Oilers, has stepped up in the playoffs after starting on the bench. Following two losses against the L.A. Kings, he took over as the starting goalie and led the team to three consecutive victories, including a crucial Game 5 win where he made 21 saves. Pickard's playoffs record is now 3-0 with a .904 save percentage and a 2.62 goals-against average.

Previously a backup, Pickard's regular-season performances included a 22-10-1 record. His resurgence highlights the depth in the Oilers' goaltending, which has been essential for their playoff success, especially after Stuart Skinner struggled early in the playoffs. Head coach Kris Knoblauch emphasized the importance of having two capable goalies as they aim for a deep playoff run.

The Colorado Avalanche face a critical juncture in their 2024-25 season as they prepare for an elimination game against the Dallas Stars. Stars Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar are up for the Ted Lindsay Award, marking a significant achievement as the first teammates to be finalists since 2001. However, the Avalanche are haunted by past postseason exits at home, having lost critical elimination games at Ball Arena for two consecutive years. Makar expresses confidence in the team’s ability to respond, while the franchise's core players, combined with newcomers, believe they can push for 14 more wins to capture the Stanley Cup. Head Coach Jared Bednar emphasizes the need for instinctual, confident play as they aim to avoid another first-round exit.

Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche is vying for the Ted Lindsay Award, competing against teammate Cale Makar and Tampa Bay Lightning's Nikita Kucherov. MacKinnon, the reigning Hart Trophy winner, finished the season with 116 points, tying Kucherov for the NHL assist lead with 84. Makar, a first-time finalist for the Lindsay Award, had an impressive season as well, leading all defensemen with 30 goals and 92 points.

Kucherov, who claimed the Art Ross Trophy for the second consecutive year after leading the league in scoring with 121 points, round out the competition for this prestigious award, which recognizes the league's most outstanding player as voted by fellow players.

Jared Bednar, head coach of the Colorado Avalanche, expressed strong dissatisfaction with officiating during Game 5 against the Dallas Stars, following a match filled with 66 penalty minutes. His grievances centered on inconsistent calls, particularly a controversial elbowing penalty against Sam Malinski that led to a key power play goal for Dallas. Bednar emphasized the need for a consistent penalty standard, arguing that players must know what to expect from referees throughout the game.

Bednar's remarks highlight a growing frustration among teams regarding officiating standards in the playoffs, a situation that can dramatically impact game outcomes. As the series progresses, the Avalanche will be keen to address the perceived inequities in officiating to level the playing field and maintain a competitive edge.

Rick Tocchet's departure from the Vancouver Canucks marks a significant turning point for the franchise. Despite a successful tenure, including winning the Jack Adams Award, the decision to turn down a lucrative contract extension raises questions about the team's future. Tocchet's focus on family and desire to explore opportunities in Philadelphia or Pittsburgh - his former teams - suggest he may foresee challenges with current roster dynamics and the health of key players like Thatcher Demko and Elias Pettersson.

Caution surrounds the Canucks as they grapple with internal conflicts, particularly a feud between Pettersson and J.T. Miller, which may lead to crucial trades. The absence of a dedicated practice facility further complicates matters. Tocchet's no-nonsense coaching style resonated with fans, making his exit all the more painful as the organization faces uncertainty in its pursuit of success.