For the first time in a long time, the Canucks are placing their faith in Arturs Silovs.
Vancouver has tabbed the Latvian goaltender against the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday night after more than two weeks without a start, head coach Rick Tocchet confirmed.
Tocchet also announced that defenceman Noah Juulsen will slot in for Vincent Desharnais.
Silovs, 23, has struggled in his three starts with the Canucks this season. He has a 0-2-1 record in those games with a 4.77 GAA and .808 save percentage.
He was assigned to AHL Abbotsford earlier this week, starting between the pipes Monday in a game against the Bakersfield Condors, the Edmonton Oilers’ AHL affiliate. He allowed two goals on 25 shots in the 4-2 win.
He last made an appearance for the Canucks in relief of everyday starter Kevin Lankinen on Nov. 9 in a 7-3 loss to the Oilers. Silovs last started Oct. 30 against the New Jersey Devils, but allowed six goals on 22 shots.
Silovs was one of Vancouver’s best stories of the 2024 playoffs, backstopping the team to a 5-5-0 record with a 2.91 GAA and .898 save percentage.
The Canucks (6-3-1) are hoping to bounce back from a 5-2 loss to the New York Islanders on Thursday as they take on the Chicago Blackhawks on Hockey Night in Canada on Saturday. Vancouver is on the first leg of a back-to-back, as they play host to the Nashville Predators on Sunday.
