Report: Demko out until at least Game 5

Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko is out until at least Game 5 of his team's Round 2 series against the Edmonton Oilers, sources told Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli.

Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet already ruled out Demko for Wednesday's Game 1 but didn't comment on his status beyond the series opener.

Demko started Vancouver's Round 1 opener versus the Nashville Predators before missing the remaining five games of the series due to a knee injury. Though it's apparently not the same injury that caused Demko to miss 14 games late in the regular season, it's the same knee that's ailing.

The 28-year-old was named a finalist for the Vezina Trophy after posting a .918 save percentage and a 2.45 goals-against average in 51 games during the 2023-24 regular season.

Arturs Silovs, who entered the postseason as Vancouver's third-string goalie, projects to start Game 1 against Edmonton. The 23-year-old rookie recorded a .938 save percentage in three Round 1 appearances against the Predators, including a 28-save shutout in the series-clinching Game 6 victory.

Veteran Casey DeSmith is another option to tend goal and started Games 2 and 3 in Round 1. However, the Canucks rode with Silovs to close out the series despite DeSmith being available for Games 5 and 6.

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