Fogghorn wrote:
Damn, have to assumed he has reinjured whatever he was healing from. Which would mean no more Demko for the playoffs. Nucks can still beat the Preds without Demko but they won't go any further. DeSmith is a fine back up, but I think they'd be better off putting Silov's in net. I'm not sure if he's even ready to be an NHL backup but out of the two of them I'd guess he's more likely to go on a real hot streak.
I agree regarding Silovs. While the sample size is small at 9 games over the past 2 seasons, the
Canucks have played better defensively with him in goal than with any other goalie in the past 2 seasons. The quality of opponents he has faced are a good mix, including NYR, PHI, STL, BOS, NAS, ANA, ARI X2, and VGK. The Canucks can still score enough goals to win if they play extra tight defensively.
This season and last, between Martin, Delia, DeSmith, Demko and himself, Silovs has faced the least SOG/g, least xGA/60, least HD shots against/60, and highest average shot distance. His results reflect that, with the lowest GAA, 2nd best SV%, 2nd best goals saved above average, and 2nd lowest HDSV%. Silovs’ MVP performance at last season’s World Championship demonstrated that he can rise under pressure. Has DeSmith ever had a run like that anytime before? I realize that WHC is not the NHL playoffs, but it’s significant that he can deal effectively with high pressure situations.
Either way, Tocchet should not hesitate to use the other goalie should one struggle. I also agree that this series is winnable without Demko, but will need him back if they want to go farther.