It goes from bad to worse for the Vancouver Canucks as second string goalie Casey DeSmith misses out on game 4 due to an injury, meaning third string Arthur Silvos gets the start.
Silvos only featured four times this season for the Canucks, having a 3-0-1 record, a 2.47 goals-against average, and a .881 save percentage. He has spent most of the season playing for the Abbotsford Canucks, making 34 appearances with a 16-11-6 record, 2.74 goals against average, and a .907 save percentage. DeSmith took over the starting duties for Vancouver after starting goalie Thatcher Demko was ruled out after game 1. After taking a brutal hit in game 2, head coach Rick Tochett decided to be safe and rule DeSmith out for game 4.
Game 4️⃣ lines.
📺 Sportsnet
📻 Sportsnet 650 pic.twitter.com/u46OF23xOy— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) April 28, 2024
It appears that the situation regarding DeSmith’s injury is up in the air, as no official confirmation has been provided regarding the duration of his absence. The nature of his injury remains undisclosed, leaving fans and analysts speculating about the severity and potential timeline for his return.
Making things even more interesting, head coach Rick Tocchet opted to keep details close to the vest during the pregame interview, declining to reveal the starting goaltender for the upcoming game. This decision fueled worry among fans, suggesting that there would indeed be another change in the crease for the upcoming game.
The uncertainty surrounding DeSmith’s status prompted sports journalist Elliotte Friedman to weigh in on the matter. Speaking to the Hockey Central panel, Friedman emphasized that there is undoubtedly cause for concern within the team. His insights likely caused further discussion and speculation among hockey enthusiasts, as they await updates on DeSmith’s condition and the goaltending situation for the remainder of the series.
“He’s not playing today… I don’t think it’s because of the McCarron play; he practised yesterday. But I do think there’s something. The Canucks have decided to be careful.” Elliotte Friedman, Sports Journalist, Sportsnet
Silvos was drafted by the Canucks in 2019, however, didn’t make his debut for them until the 2022-23 season. That season he played five times, winning three and losing twice. The Latvian goalie represented Latvia in the 2023 IIHF World Championships, where he helped bring home a 3rd place medal, Latvia’s first ever medal, with an overtime win over the USA in the third place game. He was awarded as the tournament’s best goalie, made the team of the tournament, and was also named the tournament MVP. Since being drafted, he has spent most of his time with Abbotsford but makes the most of any opportunity that he gets when called up to Vancouver