Statement made on rookie goaltender Arturs Silovs

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Cooper Godin
April 29, 2024 (11:48)

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Vancouver Canucks goaltender Arturs Silovs was thrusted into action on Sunday against the Nashville Predators due to an injury to Casey DeSmith and the rookie goaltender didn't disappoint.

Thanks to Brock Boeser's hat-trick, including a goal with eight seconds left in the third period, along with Elias Lindholm's overtime winner, the Canucks took a 3-1 series lead, with Silovs making 27 saves on 30 shots.

After the game, Joey Kenward of Sportsnet 650 radio shared that Arturs Silovs is the seventh goaltender in Vancouver Canucks history to get the victory in their first start in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The most recent before Silovs was Thatcher Demko, who picked up the win in his first playoff start on September 1st, 2020 against the Vegas Golden Knights.

"Artūrs �ilovs becomes 7th goalie in #Canucks history to get a W in their 1st #StanleyCupPlayoffs start

Thatcher Demko-9/1/20 v VGK
Roberto Luongo-4/11/07 v DAL
Corey Hirsch-4/18/96 @ COL
Troy Gamble-4/4/91 @ LAK
Kirk McLean-4/8/89 @ CGY
Gary Bromley-4/10/79 @ PHI

@Sportsnet650"

Silovs had a strong regular season with the American Hockey League's Abbotsford Canucks where he had a record of 16-11-6 in 34 games along with a 2.74 goals against average, an .907 save percentage and four shutouts.

His play in the American Hockey League, along with limited appearances in the NHL with Vancouver should have Silovs in consideration for the Canucks' backup goaltending role for the 2024-25 season. However, if the team decides to re-sign Casey DeSmith, that could block Silovs' path to the NHL in a full-time role.

It's unclear at this time if Silovs will get the start between the pipes on Tuesday night or if Casey DeSmith will be able to return from his minor injury. Either way, the Canucks will have an opportunity to knock off the Nashville Predators and advance to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs with a victory. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. PT/10 p.m. ET.

Who do you think should start Game 5 on Tuesday night - Arturs Silovs or Casey DeSmith? Let us know what you think in the poll below!