The Canuck Way
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Markstrom stands taller than ever in Canucks’ win over Hurricanes

By David Quadrelli

VANCOUVER, BC - DECEMBER 12: Jacob Markstrom #25 of the Vancouver Canucks holds up a puck while being named first star after their NHL game against the Carolina Hurricanes at Rogers Arena December 12, 2019 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Vancouver won 1-0. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images)
VANCOUVER, BC - DECEMBER 12: Jacob Markstrom #25 of the Vancouver Canucks holds up a puck while being named first star after their NHL game against the Carolina Hurricanes at Rogers Arena December 12, 2019 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Vancouver won 1-0. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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VANCOUVER, BC – DECEMBER 12: Jacob Markstrom #25 of the Vancouver Canucks holds up a puck while being named first star after their NHL game against the Carolina Hurricanes at Rogers Arena December 12, 2019 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Vancouver won 1-0. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images)
VANCOUVER, BC – DECEMBER 12: Jacob Markstrom #25 of the Vancouver Canucks holds up a puck while being named first star after their NHL game against the Carolina Hurricanes at Rogers Arena December 12, 2019 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Vancouver won 1-0. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images) /

The Vancouver Canucks defeated the Carolina Hurricanes in overtime by a score of 1-0 last night. Jacob Markstrom turned in an amazing start.

The Vancouver Canucks are 3-2 so far in the month of December. Jacob Markstrom did everything in his power to keep his team from being below .500 on the month, and was outstanding in what turned out to be a 43 save shutout.

The Demko and DiPietro dilemna

In case you didn’t notice, Michael DiPietro was backing up Markstrom last night. Regular back up Thatcher Demko is in concussion protocol after colliding with Loui Eriksson in Wednesday’s morning skate.

Here’s where the dilemna comes in. Markstrom played absolutely lights out last night. He faced 43 shots and made countless highlight-reels saves after his team turned in a rather lacklustre performance in front of him.

The Canucks would be wise to keep Markstrom as fresh as possible, and with a back-to-back on the road coming this weekend, it wouldn’t come as a shock if the team elects to give DiPietro his second career start.

After the way Markstrom played last night, it would make sense for the Canucks to give him the nod on Saturday, and depending how that game goes, DiPietro could receive the start on Sunday. It’ll be interesting to see what route the Canucks go, as they play four games in eight nights during their homestand.

They’ll certainly want Markstrom fresh for that homestand, but it’s also no secret that the Canucks have a better chance at winning with Markstrom in goal over DiPietro.

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