The end of Casey DeSmith in Vancouver: Tocchet may have confirmed it

It was announced that the Canucks' star netminder Thatcher Demko was nearing a return. Casey DeSmith and Arturs Silovs have been riding the pine for the last month, and the latter has been so good that he may have stolen the backup spot.

DeSmith has been overwhelmed recently, and of the three starts Silovs has been given, he's managed wins. With Demko getting closer to a return, Tocchet was asked how he planned on managing his netminders heading into the playoffs. His response was subjective to the idea that Silovs had surpassed DeSmith and that although Demko was nearing a return, he might be staying in Vancouver for good.

Tocchet stated that not only would he be considering starting Silovs in back-to-back starts, but he'd also consider keeping three goalies around during the playoffs. Silvos can be sent down at will, but due to his one-way contract, DeSmith can't. If the Canucks do decide to keep Silovs around, even though the AHL Canucks will also be in the midst of playoffs run, it'll be a clear indication that Silovs' time has finally come:





DeSmith, who was acquired in the Tanner Pearson trade during training camp, will be hitting free agency this summer, and it was already a known fact that he'd only be there as a transition for Silovs.

The veteran has been excellent for the Canucks in his back-up role, but Silovs has shown that he can handle even the NHL's best. Is it time for Silovs to become Demko's full-time back-up?