Report: Casey DeSmith’s injury a slight groin strain, Canucks G ‘close to 100% now’

Amidst the postseason, the Canucks have been grappling with a goaltending carousel, deploying three different netminders over just five games. Starting with Thatcher Demko in Game 1, the team faced an unfortunate setback as Demko sustained a knee injury during the game. Consequently, DeSmith took the helm in Game 2, although the team faced a loss. However, DeSmith bounced back resiliently in Game 3, delivering a stellar performance with 29 saves to secure a crucial victory.

The exact origin of DeSmith’s injury between Games 3 and 4 remains somewhat unknown. Despite receiving a hit from Predators forward Michael McCarron, reports suggest that DeSmith’s injury is unrelated to this particular incident.

Enter Arturs Silovs, who seized the opportunity to shine brightly in Game 4. Making his playoff debut, Silovs showed up and showed out by making 30 saves, helping the Canucks’ thrilling overtime triumph.

Nevertheless, despite Silovs’ consistent performance, the Canucks faced disappointment in Game 5, with Silovs managing to stop 20 of 22 shots. Throughout the regular season, Silovs boasted impressive statistics, recording a 6-1-2 record with a .898 save percentage and a 2.62 goals-against average across nine games.

Silovs showcased his talent in the AHL this season, posting a commendable 16-11-6 record with a .907 save percentage and 2.74 goals-against average over 34 games with the Abbotsford Canucks.

With Game 6 in Nashville scheduled for Friday night with puck drop at 4 p.m. PST, the Canucks find themselves perhaps in a place they did not want to be. As DeSmith nears full recovery and Silovs continues to exhibit his skills, Vancouver remains hopeful of securing a crucial road victory to advance further in the playoffs.