Tocchet teases potential lineup changes ahead of Game 5
The Canucks suffered a heartbreaking loss in the game's very last moments in game four of the NHL playoffs' second round. With a few players not playing up to expectations, Rick Tocchet teased that roster changes are about to happen.
Thatcher Demko is progressing well from an injury that has kept him out for most of the playoffs so far, so well that the Canucks could see their star goalie make a return during their series with the Oilers. While Rick Tocchet wouldn't say his goalie is returning this season, he specifically noted to TSN's Farhan Lalji that Demko has improved "immensely over the last 72 hours."
Tocchet also teased some other potential lineup changes, saying Podkolzin and Hoglander, in particular, could be options for Thursday night when the series flips back to Vancouver.
Tocchet wouldn't go so far as to say Demko could play in this series, but says he has «Improved immensely the last 72 hours.» #Canucks
Also suggested Podkolzin and Hoglander as options for tomorrow. And won't break up his top 2 lines
Goaltending has hardly been an issue for the Canucks with rookie Arturs Silovs stepping up in the absence of Demko, but his return could certainly provide a boost to the Canucks.
Tuesday night saw Nils Aman and Linus Karlsson each draw in for their second career playoff games, while Noah Juulsen stepped in for the second of his career.
POLL |
If Demko is cleared for a Game 7 against the Oilers, do you start him or Silovs? |
Demko is the guy | 457 | 43.9 % |
Silovs got you here, stick with him | 584 | 56.1 % |
List of polls |
|
4 minutes ago | By Cooper Godin Ottawa Senators forward David Perron steps away from hockey due to personal reasons |
|
12 hours ago | By Owen Fullerton Ex-Canucks grinder Derek Dorsett claims Kiefer Sherwood is Vancouver's unsung hero |
|
13 hours ago | By Maverick Mitchell Darkest Era of Canucks hockey - Vancouver Canucks' most controversial head coach Mike Keenan tells all |
|
15 hours ago | By Jon McIntyre Canucks showcase new interesting lineup & powerplay at practice ahead of Chicago Blackhawks matchup |
|
16 hours ago | By Cooper Godin Former Vancouver Canucks forward Matthew Highmore placed on waivers |
|
17 hours ago | By Maverick Mitchell Vancouver Canucks provides much anticipated injury update on J.T. Miller |
|
18 hours ago | By Maverick Mitchell Sad News to announce as Former Vancouver Canucks Forward Moe Lemay has sadly passed away at 62 |
|
18 hours ago | By Maverick Mitchell Vancouver Canucks affiliate Kalamazoo Wings officially set Guinness world record in home opener |
Previously on CanucksDaily