Arturs Silovs Shines as Vancouver Canucks Secure Pre-season Win Over Seattle Kraken

VANCOUVER — Arturs Silovs, the 23-year-old Latvian goaltender, delivered an outstanding performance for the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday night, securing a 3-1 pre-season victory over the Seattle Kraken. Silovs stopped 18 shots, showcasing his calm and composed playing style, which has become his trademark since his promotion from third-string netminder to Vancouver’s No. 1 goalie during last spring’s playoffs.

“You have to perform, I think. It doesn’t matter which game you play, do the best as you can,” Silovs commented after the match. His attitude was lauded by Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet, who noted Silovs’ unwavering composure no matter the situation. “When you call his name, it doesn’t matter. Playoffs or pre-season game. He’s just a very calm kid, you can tell,” Tocchet said.

As the Canucks await the return of their all-star netminder Thatcher Demko, who is recovering from a knee injury, Silovs appears poised to take on the starting role. Despite having played just nine regular-season NHL games, the six-foot-four, 203-pound goalie is setting high expectations for the upcoming season. Tocchet noted Silovs’ natural ability to maintain focus, saying, “There were some breakdowns (Tuesday) where he was right there in position. He just doesn’t get rattled. You can see that demeanour in him.”

The Canucks’ special teams were on point, converting on two of six power plays while keeping the Kraken scoreless on their man advantages. Defenceman Tyler Myers highlighted the importance of special teams, stating, “Special teams are such a big part of the league now. You want to get those dialed in now and really start working at it, look at video as much as you can to get the structure in place. But it was a good start for the first game.”

Nils Hoglander and Filip Hronek each scored on the power play, contributing to Vancouver’s victory. Pius Sutter sealed the game with an empty-net goal, while Swedish prospect Jonathan Lekkerimäki assisted on two goals. Ben Meyers scored Seattle’s lone goal following a puck turnover by the Canucks. Joey Daccord managed 17 saves for Seattle before being replaced by Ales Stezka, who saved all six shots he faced.

Vancouver started the scoring at 16:35 in the first period with a power-play goal from Hoglander, assisted by Aatu Räty and Linus Karlsson. Hronek doubled the lead with a long shot late in the second period. Despite Seattle narrowing the lead early in the third, thanks to Meyers’ effort, Silovs denied further threats, maintaining the Canucks’ lead until Sutter’s final securement of their win.

The match also included tributes, including a moment of silence for Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, who died in an accident, and a ceremonial puck drop by First Nations members in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The Canucks will next face the Calgary Flames in Abbotsford, B.C., while the Kraken will seek redemption in a Seattle rematch against Vancouver.