Given recent developments, the Vancouver Canucks face uncertainty regarding their goaltender for Game 5 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series against the Nashville Predators on Tuesday.
Despite utilizing three goaltenders thus far, the Canucks hold a 3-1 series lead, with each goalie securing a victory.
Thatcher Demko, their primary goaltender, commenced and triumphed in Game 1. However, his subsequent injury announcement, rendering him week-to-week and potentially sidelining him for the remainder of the series, prompted backup Casey DeSmith to step in for the subsequent two games. Notably, Game 3 marked DeSmith’s maiden playoff victory.
Yet, DeSmith’s unavailability due to an injury disclosed only on Sunday necessitated Arturs Silovs’ presence in goal for Game 4. Despite Vancouver trailing 3-1 late in the third period, a remarkable comeback ensued, culminating in a 4-3 overtime triumph, thereby granting Silovs his inaugural playoff win in his postseason debut, wherein he made 27 saves.
With uncertainties persisting, Canucks coach Rick Tocchet emphasized a day-by-day approach in assessing DeSmith’s availability for Game 5, acknowledging the playoff reality of players rarely reaching peak physical condition.
Silovs, aged 23, boasts limited NHL experience, having participated in nine games across two seasons. During the regular season, he showcased a record of 3-1, accompanied by a 2.47 goals-against average and a .881 save percentage over four appearances.
