Canucks forced to start third string goalie after more injuries

The Vancouver Canucks are dealing with yet another goalie injury, and it's throwing a bit of a wrench into their playoff plans.

Coach Rick Tocchet was tight-lipped when asked if Casey DeSmith, who was supposed to be the starter, would be in the net for Game 4 against the Nashville Predators today.

Then, Frank Seravalli from Daily Faceoff dropped the bomb: Arturs Silovs will start tonight for the Canucks. Silovs is filling in while their main goaltender, Thatcher Demko, is sidelined with a knee injury. DeSmith had been holding down the fort for the past couple of playoff games, including a 30 save performance in Game 3 that helped the Canucks snag a 2-1 series lead.



Now, Silovs isn't exactly a rookie. He's had some action this season, winning three out of four games with a solid goals-against-average and save percentage. He's got some NHL experience under his belt, with a 6-2–1 record this season, 2.47 goals-against-average and an .881% save percentage.

It's unclear exactly what's up with DeSmith but the good news is that it's a minor injury and he should be back for game 5.


Nikita Tolopilo will be there as the backup. Tolopilo might not have any NHL games under his belt, but he's been holding it down in the AHL with Abbotsford this season.