Oilers' Calvin Pickard jokes about LA Kings' "secret weapon" in Games 1 & 2

Edmonton Oilers goaltender Calvin Pickard humorously commented on the LA Kings' "secret weapon" from Games 1 and 2 after securing a 3-1 win in Game 5 on Tuesday.

The Kings' playoff run has been filled with memorable moments, but none have resonated with fans quite like the harmonica-playing seniors from the Koreatown Senior and Community Center. Thanks to their national anthem performances, the group became an unexpected good luck charm for LA in the first two games.

When asked by NHL analyst Paul Bissonnette about what it was like playing in the Kings' arena, Calvin Pickard said he found the performance amusing and couldn't help but laugh each time they played. He called the group a secret weapon for LA in the earlier games.

"I feel like I'm giggling every time they come on. It's hilarious. It's great. It's good stuff. A secret weapon there, game one and game two," said Pickard post-game. "I still got a chuckle out of it tonight. But right from the get-go, we were fantastic. I think the shots were maybe 20 to four in the first period. Just couldn't get one by Kemps. He was great tonight, gave them a fighting chance. It was a good effort."

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While the harmonica-playing group brought good fortune to the Kings in the first two home games, their luck did not hold in Game 5, as they now trail the Oilers 3-2 in the best-of-seven Round 1 series.

Calvin Pickard shines as Oilers put Kings on brink after Game 5 win

NHL: Stanley Cup Playoffs-Los Angeles Kings at Edmonton Oilers - Source: Imagn

Calvin Pickard has been solid for the Oilers between the pipes in his last two starts. The 33-year-old netminder posted a .955 save percentage in Game 5 and .927 in Game 4, blocking 63 shots and conceding four goals. In Tuesday's win, he made 22 saves.

The LA Kings will hope to bounce back to force a Game 7, while the Oilers will be looking to maintain their winning momentum and close out the series at Rogers Place on Thursday. The puck drops at 10 p.m. ET.

About the author

Abhishek is an NHL writer at Sportskeeda with over 2 years of sports reporting experience and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Delhi. He became a fan of ice hockey after watching NHL fight videos on YouTube, which led to him professionally writing about the sport and his continued interest in all things hockey.

A fan of the Boston Bruins, Abhishek considers their incredible comeback win against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2013 playoffs as the most iconic moment in the NHL. His admiration for the six-time Stanley Cup winners also comes from the team’s storied history, distinctive black and gold uniform and their success in the sport. His all-time favorite NHL players are Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid, for their ability to perform at the highest level consistently.

Abhishek ensures his reporting is fair and balanced by being well-researched in his details, which he expects to be relevant, up-to-date and in line with ethical standards. His specialties are doing detailed match analysis and covering fan reactions.

Abhishek enjoys music, traveling and going on walks with his three German Shepherds in his free time, along with learning about horticulture.

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Edited by Abhishek Dilta