“He’s Not THAT Good…” — Calvin Pickard Viral Practice Clip Has Fans FIGHTING in the Comments
EDMONTON, ALBERTA — It started as a routine practice session at Rogers Place — but what followed was an online firestorm that has ignited passionate debate across the hockey world.
Calvin Pickard, backup goaltender for the Edmonton Oilers, found himself at the center of unexpected attention this week after a short viral clip surfaced showing him making an incredible sequence of saves during a team drill. The slow-motion video, posted by a fan account on X (formerly Twitter), quickly racked up over 1.7 million views, with fans and critics alike flooding the comments section with wildly different takes.
The video, which features Pickard sprawling across the crease with reflexes that seemed almost superhuman, drew praise from some fans calling him an “underrated gem” and “one of the most technically sound backups in the NHL.”
But not everyone was convinced.
> “Relax, it’s practice,” one user wrote.
“He’s not THAT good. Anyone can look elite in a low-pressure drill.”
“Let’s see him stop that in the third period of a playoff game.”
The comment section quickly spiraled into a digital brawl, with Oilers faithful defending Pickard’s skillset, highlighting his steady presence during critical absences last season and his ability to step up when needed.
> “When Skinner was out, Pickard showed up and showed OUT. Some of you clearly didn’t watch the games,” one supporter replied.
Others pointed to the context — noting that while Pickard may not be a starter, he’s exactly the kind of reliable, humble veteran every contender needs in the locker room.
> “You don’t have to be McDavid in net to matter. Pickard’s doing the work, day in and day out,” another fan wrote.
Meanwhile, former NHL goalie and analyst Kevin Weekes even chimed in on the debate, resharing the clip and calling Pickard’s technique “sharp, composed, and playoff-ready.”
> “Say what you want — you don’t stay in this league that long without serious talent,” Weekes added.
Pickard, for his part, has remained silent amid the social media noise. Known for his calm demeanor and team-first mentality, he was seen laughing with teammates at the next practice, seemingly unfazed by the online chaos.
Head Coach Kris Knoblauch, when asked about the viral clip, simply smiled:
> “Calvin’s always been a pro. He’s here to compete, support the team, and be ready when his number’s called. I think he’s shown us — and maybe now the rest of the world — what he’s capable of.”
The viral moment may fade, but it’s a reminder of how quickly narratives shift in today’s sports landscape — where a single highlight can turn a steady veteran into an overnight lightning rod.
Whether you’re on “Team Pickard” or not, one thing’s for sure:
He’s got people talking.
And in hockey, as in life, that’s sometimes the first step toward proving everyone wrong.