Vancouver Canucks facing goaltending challenges ahead of season
In a recent development that has stirred concern among Vancouver Canucks fans, goaltender Arturs Silovs has been sidelined due to a knee injury, casting a shadow over the team's preparations for the upcoming season.
This injury means Silovs will miss participating in the Olympic qualifying games for Latvia, a significant blow given his rising stature within the team.
According to a report from the Province, while Silovs is expected to recover in time for training camp, the timing of his injury is far from ideal. The Canucks are already navigating precarious waters with their primary goalie, Thatcher Demko, whose recovery is reportedly not on the anticipated trajectory. Rick Dhaliwal, a seasoned Canucks insider, shared insights that heighten the unease surrounding the team's goaltending situation according to a new report from the Province.
Canucks insider Rick Dhaliwal also reported the dual injury scenario has propelled the Canucks into the market for additional goaltending support. Oilers insider Jason Gregor recently suggested Kevin Lankinen as a potential acquisition to bolster the team's roster.
Lankinen, with a track record from his tenure with the Chicago Blackhawks and Nashville Predators, might not boast the most impressive stats-a 3.05 Goals Against Average and a .905 save percentage-but his experience could prove invaluable for the Canucks. Speculations suggest that Lankinen could join the team on a minimal one-year or tryout contract, offering a temporary solution to their goalie quandary.
Last season, under coach Rick Tocchett's leadership, the Canucks demonstrated resilience by pushing a playoff series against the Oilers to seven games, despite the absence of Demko. This season, with hopes of continuing their competitive streak, the Canucks face the crucial task of ensuring their goaltenders are both fit and ready. The prospect of entering the season with two recovering goalies is a gamble, and Vancouver's management seems poised to mitigate this risk by possibly integrating Lankinen into their squad.
As the preseason approaches, the Canucks' strategy will be a topic of keen interest, not only to their fans but also to observers keen on assessing how well the team can navigate its current challenges to make a strong playoff run. The coming weeks will be crucial for the team's morale and the confidence of their supporters, making every update on the goalies' health and team adjustments pivotal in setting the tone for their season's start.
Source for all player stats:
PuckPedia - Vancouver Canucks
| POLL | ||
Do you believe the Oilers will ever lose to the Canucks in the postseason? | ||
| No, Canucks will always be behind Oilers | 86 | 66.7 % |
| Yes, they can beat them | 43 | 33.3 % |
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