Coach Patrick Roy said after Tuesday's practice that he plans to use Pickard for each of the three games on their road trip that kicks off Thursday in Pittsburgh, Nick Groke of the Denver Post reports.

Coach Patrick Roy said after Tuesday's practice that he plans to use Pickard for each of the three games on their road trip that kicks off Thursday in Pittsburgh, Nick Groke of the Denver Post reports.

Analysis:

It's a huge show of faith in Pickard by coach Patrick Roy, who doesn't seem to find Reto Berra to be a reliable option in goal for the team while Semyon Varlamov (groin) remains sidelined. In addition to the Pittsburgh game, Pickard will get the call for both ends of the Avs' weekend back-to-back in Buffalo and Detroit. Varlamov, who practiced in full pads Wednesday, could be ready to go next week, which would force the team to make a decision on whether to keep Pickard around as the backup or send him back to the minors for regular playing time.