Goaltending has official gone from bad to worse for the Vancouver Canucks.
The situation first started unravelling on Sunday morning, with insider Rick Dhaliwal sharing that one of either Spencer Martin or Michael DiPietro had tested positive for COVID-19.
For those asking Spencer Martin will undergo more PCR tests this morning. Canucks hoping for the best.
— Rick Dhaliwal (@DhaliwalSports) January 23, 2022
Both netminders had been called up to the big leagues just a few days earlier after the team announced that Thatcher Demko had also been placed on the league’s COVID-19 protocol list, joining fellow goaltender Jaroslav Halak, as well as J.T. Miller, Conor Garland and Bo Horvat.
If Demko and Miller end up with confirmed positive cases, they would be the 17th and 18th #Canucks players to end up in COVID-19 protocol since December 14.
— Rob Williams (@RobTheHockeyGuy) January 20, 2022
After lots of speculation, Martin eventually got the nod between the pipes on Friday, which proved to be a fantastic decision.
The 26-year-old was lights out for Vancouver, stopping 33 of 34 shots against the red-hot Florida Panthers. The Canucks ended up falling in the shootout, but wouldn’t have even secured the one point had it not been for Martin.
Unfortunately for the team and for the fanbase, we won’t know if Martin would’ve been able to continue the momentum into Sunday.
Shortly after Dhaliwal’s news was shared, a few more sources were able to add onto the status of the team’s current goaltending fiasco.
#Canucks’ Spencer Martin tested positive on a rapid test yesterday. PCR test came back negative yesterday afternoon.
— Thomas Drance (@ThomasDrance) January 23, 2022
Club is awaiting further testing, but isn’t optimistic.
Compounding the issue further: hearing Arturs Silovs has also tested positive. Expect an E-bug backup.
Spencer Martin is in protocol and Arturs Silovs has also tested positive. #Canucks
— David Quadrelli (@QuadrelliD) January 23, 2022
The unfortunate situation was confirmed during the team’s pre-game media availability, with head coach Bruce Boudreau confirming that DiPietro would get the start against St. Louis given the positive test results from Martin and Arturs SIlovs, who would’ve likely been called up behind DiPietro.
The 67-year-old bench boss, who will be celebrating his 1000th NHL game as a head coach on Sunday, also confirmed that the team would be without two members of their coaching staff.
Bruce Boudreau confirms that assistant coaches Scott Walker and Kyle Gustafson are in COVID protocol. #Canucks @Sportsnet650
— Brendan Batchelor (@BatchHockey) January 23, 2022
To make matters even more bizarre, the Canucks also have no choice but to bring in current UBC netminder Rylan Toth to serve as the emergency back-up goalie for DiPietro.
Just talked with 25 year old UBC goalie Rylan Toth who is expected to back up Mike Dipietro tonight for the Canucks.
— Rick Dhaliwal (@DhaliwalSports) January 23, 2022
Nervous, excited were 2 words Toth used.
Toth called it a great opportunity .
Toth has been incredible with UBC this year, going 10-2-1 with a 1.83 GAA, .935 SV% and four shutouts to his name, which might be important if DiPietro can’t stand his ground against St. Louis.
The 22-year-old has struggled in Abbotsford this season, as indicated by his 4-7-3 record, as well as his 3.19 GAA and .896 SV%. DiPietro will also be looking to bounce back from his first NHL start, where he was lit up for seven goals against San Jose back in February 2019.
Hopefully history does not repeat itself.
Puck drop is set for 7:00pm PST at Rogers Arena.
What are your thoughts on the current goaltending situation for the Canucks? Let us know in the comments!