21-year-old Canucks goaltender, Arturs Silovs, just got his first NHL win in only his 2nd NHL game. While this is very impressive and a very happy moment for him, should Canucks fans be worried that he might start costing the Canucks a shot at the 1st overall pick?
One to remember for Arty. pic.twitter.com/Z0h8Mcw62e
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) February 19, 2023
Now one thing is for sure, teams do not tank; management does. The players on every team, no matter what sport, will never tank, as players are playing to win, get new contracts, have a spot on the roster next year, etc. By tanking and getting the 1st overall pick, that superstar projected player will take the spot of someone on the current roster, and there’s no way any player would want to put their job in jeopardy.
While it is easy to jump to conclusions about Silovs, you have to remember he’s only played 2 NHL games, but what happened in those 2 games is what might make Canucks fans a little worried, as the fanbase is fully devoted to losing the rest of the season to increase their odds of landing franchise-altering talent and local BC boy, Connor Bedard.
You see, Silovs got the start against the New York Rangers and the Philidelphia Flyers. While he lost his first NHL start against the Rangers, he put up a good fight, only allowing 5-goals against a stellar offensive core that the Rangers have, as well as the very lackluster defense that the Canucks have. He faced 27 shots, but to only allow 5 goals against a top 5 NHL team right now? It’s no wonder he got the start the very next game. And then guess what? He did get the start and then won the game. He faced 37 shots for a 35-save first NHL win.
"It was my second game, I was more comfortable playing, it was much easier for me tonight."
🗣️ Arturs Silovs after his 1st NHL win.@theprovince | #Canucks pic.twitter.com/2Gt7VmmnZh
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) February 19, 2023
While it is a very happy moment for him and is something that Canucks fans should definitely celebrate, it’s not something we should start getting excited about on a regular basis. Even though teams do not tank, the fans will surely grow restless if they start seeing the Canucks go on an unnecessary win streak, as their playoffs are already long gone.
We shouldn’t panic yet, but hopefully he can just get some NHL experience for the rest of the year and not bring too many points to the club!