Arturs Silovs was the breakout star of the Vancouver Canucks’ 2023-24 playoff run. Now, with starting goalie Thatcher Demko sidelined for an uncertain amount of time due to a rare muscle injury, Silovs appears ready to take over the crease as the Canucks head into the new season.
Silovs spent much of last season with the Abbotsford Canucks, Vancouver’s American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate. However, his opportunity came during the playoffs, where he quickly went from third-string netminder to posting his first NHL shutout in a series-clinching victory over the Nashville Predators. This victory propelled the Canucks into the second round, where Silovs remained in net for a seven-game battle against the Edmonton Oilers.
The young Latvian finished the postseason with a 5-5-0 record, an .898 save percentage, a 2.91 goals-against average, and one shutout. Reflecting on his experience, Silovs said his playoff stint boosted his confidence, especially in high-pressure moments.
“I think it showed me how the best hockey is played, and in the toughest situations. There’s so much pressure all around, right? And everyone wants to win.”
Silovs’ strong playoff performance put him in the spotlight, and with Demko out, the Canucks are counting on him to lead the team. The goaltender, though, is taking a measured approach to the new responsibility.
“Just have to take it one day at a time. Take it as a challenge and be prepared,” he said yesterday when asked about starting the season as Vancouver’s No. 1 goalie
Over the summer, Silovs dealt with knee inflamation, which kept him out of Latvia’s lineup during an Olympic qualifier. Latvia went undefeated in the tournament, securing a spot in the 2026 Winter Olympics. Despite missing out, Silovs remained confident in his country’s performance.
“I had to look in the future too. It’s a short tournament, only three games, so I had to think more about [my] career, and being healthy for the season rather than playing like two games and rush something up. I was confident in our core for the national team,” he said. “And I was confident enough that we were going to manage it and win.”
“It was my decision, the national team head coach was asking if I was ready to play or not, and I was skating like twice in two weeks, and I was like, I better take it off. I’m not in the area I want to be to represent the country, and I want to be 100%, not 80,” said Silovs, who added that he feels “great” right now.
With Demko on the sidelines, Silovs is expected to be Vancouver’s starter through the pre-season, which kicks off on Tuesday when the Canucks host the Seattle Kraken. The young netminder’s recent playoff experience and steady preparation could prove invaluable as he steps into the starting role for the Canucks’ 2024-25 campaign.
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