UPDATE: Canucks vs. Oilers Game Day: Arturs Silovs makes fifth ...
'I thought he hung in there for us. Goalies aren't always perfect, but he was a good choice. Casey (DeSmith) could have easily started.' — Rick Tocchet on giving Arturs Silovs the net tonight.
Get the latest from Ben Kuzma straight to your inbox
Published May 10, 2024 • Last updated 8 hours ago • 6 minute read
THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events.Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account.The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword.Support local journalism.SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events.Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account.The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword.Support local journalism.REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
or
Article content
Round 2, Game 2, Stanley Cup playoffsArticle content
Friday, 7 p.m., Rogers Arena, TV: SN Pacific. Radio: Sportsnet 650
The big buzz: Arturs Silovs was the question and now the rookie stopper is the answer.
The Canucks are giving the lanky Latvian his fifth-consecutive NHL playoff start tonight. It was never a stretch to suggest that instruction from goalie coach Ian Clark — a tweak here and an adjustment there — was going to put Silovs in better position to make a difference in Game 2 of the second-round series.
The frenetic pace of Game 1 may have got to Silovs in his positioning and puck tracking. However, two weird goals off stick deflections, and even a double-screen, shouldn’t overshadow how he battled back when his club was down 4-1 and rallied to win 5-4.
Article content
“You always go through it (a decision), but I thought he hung in there for us,” Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet said following the morning game-day skate. “Goalies aren’t always going to be perfect, but I thought he was a good choice. Casey (DeSmith) could have easily started tonight, too.
“They’re tough decisions. Really tough. I have two really good goaltenders and I’m lucky to have that in guys like Arturs and Casey.”
The Canucks could give veteran DeSmith the net for Game 3 on Sunday.
If Silovs struggles tonight, that decision is automatic. However, DeSmith also made 32 saves in an impressive playoff-like 3-1 win at Edmonton on April 13 with the Oilers still within striking range of capturing the Pacific Division title. Connor McDavid didn’t play, but prior goalie performances often resonate with coaches.
By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.
Article content
Article content
The McDavid plan: The Oilers superstar was held without a shot in Game 1 and wasn’t at his playmaking best.
McDavid is a speeding zone-entry menace, a supreme sniper, and prime-time playmaker after racking up 100 helpers during the regular season en route to 132 points. The line of J.T. Miller between Pius Suter and Brock Boeser did an admirable job of shutting down the Oilers’ first alignment Wednesday.
“No turnovers,” Miller said of Job. 1. “He is the best player and is going to play a strong game tonight and we understand that, but we can’t start worrying too much about him. When they have the puck, you have to be above him, and there’s no secret to that.
“You never really feel comfortable when you’re playing against him. We’ve had a little bit of success because we stick to the game plan and last game was a good test. They’re up by three and we could have got away from it. We stayed with, stayed patient and it paid off.
Article content
“But he’s going to bounce back, he does it better than anybody.”
Rick Tocchet has had lighter moments in the journey to get the Canucks back to the playoffs. He a big one Wednesday. Photo by Jason Payne /PNGThat Tocchet celly: Tocchet’s mantra is earning the day, owning the day and prepping for the next day.
The laser-like focus of the Canucks’ bench boss is something akin to a marine drill sergeant. Square jaw and eyes fixed on finding the next level. A tough taskmaster with a serious demeanour that depicts pushing the performance envelope. All business all the time.
And then came Wednesday night.
The euphoria of a stunning and satisfying third-period rally to cement a victory in the series opener turned the bench into a party zone. Tocchet even let down his guard to whoop it up and punch the air and high-five fans in an amazing release of adrenalin.
It was something to see.
Article content
And, of course, Tocchet took a step back in his post-game address and was somewhat apologetic for a rare display of raw emotion. He knows the Oilers will have a big pushback in Game 2 on Friday. Every game has its own flow and he wants to ensure his club remains resilient and consistent.
Still, that celebration. Where did that come from?
“That’s usually not me” said Tocchet, the Jack Adams Award favourite. “I just like the demeanour of our guys, and I don’t know, I just let it out. But it’s just Game 1. I don’t like to see myself doing that, to be honest.
“Not Game 1. I’ve got to find some fun and do something else.”
Casey DeSmith gets a hug from Ian Cole after backstopping a 2-1 playoff series win in Game 3 at Nashville on April 26. Photo by Andy Lyons /Getty ImagesThe Joshua Three: The line doesn’t like monikers, but this one fits. Dakota Joshua had three points (1-2) and eight hits in Game 1 and combined with Conor Garland and Elias Lindholm for six points (3-3) and nine shots, and Lindhlom won 14 of 18 draws. They were good in matchups and great in transition.
Article content
The hope: The Canucks had four shots on three ineffective power plays in Game 1 and are 2-for-16 in the post-season. That’s not going to get them past the Oilers. Screens, tips, deflections are the order of the day.
The fear: The Oilers struck on their only power play chance Wednesday. They’re a gaudy 10-for-21 in the playoffs because passes are accurate and finishes come from sharp angles. They attack the net.
The wounded: Canucks: Thatcher Demko (knee, week-to-week). Oilers: Adam Henrique (ankle, day-to-day), Leon Draisaitl (back, game-time decision).
The quote: “We’ve come back before so there’s a confidence and composure level there. That (Oilers) team is one you don’t want to have to do it against a bunch.” — Garland on Game 1 effort.
Article content
The lineup:
Suter-Miller-Boeser
Hoglander-Pettersson-Mikheyev
Joshua-Lindholm-Garland
Di Giuseppe-Blueger-Lafferty
Hughes-Hronek
Soucy-Myers
Zadorov-Cole
Silovs
The prediction: The Canucks expect a big pushback, but strong defensive structure will keep them in the fight, regardless of circumstances. They smell blood. A 4-2 win to control series.
(FAN FORUM: Do you have a specific question for a player? Pass it along to @provincesports and we’ll get it in a future edition.) [email protected]
It’s game day! Read more of our Canucks vs. Oilers Round 2 playoff coverage:
• Vancouver vs. Edmonton: Here are 8 things each city is ‘winning’ • Canucks vs. Oilers: Arturs Silovs or Casey DeSmith, who’s your goalie for Game 2? • Canucks vs. Oilers: Kindergarten class in Carson Soucy’s Alberta hometown is divided on series • Canucks viewing parties: Here’s where to watch the Canucks vs. Oilers Round 2 playoffs • 5 crucial questions facing the Canucks in Round 2 • Could Thatcher Demko really play vs. the Oilers? • Canucks vs. Oilers: All a bloodless rivalry needs is a playoff series • ESPN seems to hate Vancouver • Canucks this week, playoff edition: Underdogs against the Oilers — just the way we like it • Pearl Jam leaves Vancouver with special Canucks message • Like Rocky Balboa, Arturs Silovs wants to go distance against Stuart Skinner • After half a century on the back burner, might Oilers-Canucks rivalry finally be heating up? • How Pius Suter makes the Miller line go from good to dominant • ‘I can’t stand’ it: Canucks coach Rick Tocchet tired of embellishment in playoffs • Underdogs? Quinn Hughes ‘prepared to play my best hockey’ • J.T. Miller on matching up against Connor McDavid: ‘He’s different than anybody’ • Unplugging Edmonton’s potent playoff power play is top priority
Article content
Recommended from Editorial
Vancouver mayor challenges Edmonton mayor to friendly wager over hockey series
Canucks vs. Predators: Arturs Silovs knows to just be ready
Vancouver vs. Edmonton: Here are 8 things each city is 'winning'
Bookmark our website and support our journalism: Don’t miss the news you need to know — add VancouverSun.comand TheProvince.com to your bookmarks and sign up for our newsletters here.
You can also support our journalism by becoming a digital subscriber: For just $14 a month, you can get unlimited, ad-lite access to The Vancouver Sun, The Province, National Post and 13 other Canadian news sites. Support us by subscribing today: The Vancouver Sun | The Province.
ROUND 2! SIGN UP TO GET YOUR FREE CANUCKS PLAYOFF POSTERS: We are proud to partner with the Vancouver Canucks to bring you this year’s edition of the longtime Province tradition, the Canucks Playoff Poster series. CLICK HERE to get a new player poster emailed to you every game day, plus all the posters from Round 1!
Article content
