Canucks resort to 3rd string goalie Arturs Silovs to start for game 4

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Hunter Bowman
April 28, 2024 (4:23 PM)

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The Vancouver Canucks are gearing up for a crucial Game 4 against the Nashville Predators this Sunday, aiming to widen their series lead to 3-1. With their starting goalie Thatcher Demko sidelined, backup Casey DeSmith has been stepping up. However, there might be a new face in goal tonight, stirring up the goalie conversation even further.

Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reports that the Canucks are contemplating a goaltending switch for tonight's game, suggesting that Arturs Silovs, the MVP of the 2023 World Championship, could be making his debut.

The reason behind this potential switch remains a bit of a mystery, leaving us wondering whether it's an injury issue or a strategic move by head coach Rick Tocchet.

"With Vancouver/Nashville, we should be prepared for the possibility Arturs Silovs starts for the Canucks. Not sure what happened here, though." Friedman said.

Should Silovs take the ice, it will mark his first appearance in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Despite his limited NHL experience, Silovs is known for thriving under pressure. He was instrumental in Latvia's historic run to a bronze medal at last year's World Championship, securing their first-ever medal at the event by notching wins against powerhouse teams like Czechia, Switzerland, Sweden, and the USA.

The final decision on who will guard the Canucks' net will unfold later today, with team warmups scheduled for 4:30 p.m. ET and the game following shortly after 5 p.m. on Sportsnet.