Canucks coach Tocchet speaks on Demko's availability in game 7
As the Vancouver Canucks prepare for the pivotal Game 7, the air is thick with anticipation and a touch of humor from Canucks' coach Rick Tocchet regarding Thatcher Demko's availability.
Despite initial teases of Demko's return, Tocchet confirmed that he remains sidelined due to injury, leaving Arturs Silovs as the starter against the Edmonton Oilers. The intensity of the playoffs escalates, highlighted by the goalie narratives that have dominated this series.
From the outset of the playoffs, the Canucks felt the sting of losing their top goaltender, Demko, to a significant knee injury. This misfortune seemed to set the stage for the Oilers to capitalize, yet the series has defied expectations with fluctuating goaltending performances on both sides. The Oilers' Stuart Skinner, who will start Game 7, had previously lost his spot due to underperformance but now faces a critical test to reclaim his reliability in the crease.
Silovs, unexpectedly thrust into the limelight, has become a beacon of hope for the Canucks. His journey from a third-string to a playoff starter is nothing short of cinematic, yet recent games have seen his save percentage dip below the .900 mark, signaling potential vulnerabilities the Oilers might exploit. Despite these challenges, Vancouver's defensive strategy has adeptly contained Edmonton's offensive firepower, limiting direct shots and maintaining pressure.
For the Oilers, Game 7 presents a do-or-die scenario. Their elite talents, potentially stymied so far, need to break through Vancouver's defensive shell. The game hinges on their ability to adapt and outmaneuver the Canucks' unexpected goaltending hero. With a spot in the conference finals at stake, the Oilers must harness their best performance of the season, trusting their skills to overcome Vancouver's strategic gameplay.
The stage is set, the stakes are high, and as history shows, anything is possible in a Game 7. As the teams clash, the outcome remains uncertain, promising an unforgettable showdown in this electrifying series.
| POLL | ||
With Thatcher Demko out for game 7, which team has the better goalie? | ||
| Oilers, Skinner is better | 20 | 38.5 % |
| Canucks, Silovs is better | 17 | 32.7 % |
| Equal, both goalies the same | 11 | 21.2 % |
| See Results | 4 | 7.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
