The Vancouver Canucks may have discovered a hidden gem in their goaltending ranks. Rookie netminder Nikita Tolopilo has turned heads with his performance in his first two NHL starts, posting numbers that intriguingly mirror those of the team's established starter, Thatcher Demko.
Promising Start for the Big Belarusian
Despite a small sample size, the early returns on Nikita Tolopilo are overwhelmingly positive. The towering Belarusian goalie demonstrated composure and skill in his appearances, making critical saves when his team needed them most. His style may appear more unorthodox compared to goalies developed under the previous Ian Clark system, but the results speak for themselves.
At five-on-five, Tolopilo has recorded a save percentage of 92.9 percent, identical to Demko's mark. He has also nearly saved a full goal above expected, a metric that highlights his ability to stop high-quality scoring chances. This immediate impact suggests he possesses the foundational talent to succeed at the highest level.
Navigating a New Coaching Dynamic
The Canucks' goaltending development path has undergone a shift. With Ian Clark now in a scouting role, the direct influence of his renowned methodology has lessened. Marko Torenius, the current NHL goalie coach, is a long-time adherent of Clark's principles. However, Justin Pogge, who coaches the goalies in Abbotsford, brings a different perspective.
This change raises questions about the future systematic development of prospects like Tolopilo. Even without the full immersion in the previous system, his raw talent is undeniable. The quality of his play has made a strong case for his continued presence in the NHL conversation.
Roster Decisions Loom for Vancouver
The Canucks face an imminent decision in their crease. With Kevin Lankinen back from injury and Thatcher Demko nearing a return to practice, Tolopilo's immediate opportunity might be limited. Demko is scheduled for his first practice on Monday in Southern California, with a potential return to game action likely around the four-week mark.
This timeline could open the door for Tolopilo to make one more start during next weekend's back-to-back games. Another standout performance would undoubtedly intensify the discussion about the team's goaltending hierarchy. It also prompts a broader question about asset management: could a strong showing from Tolopilo create tangible trade value for one of Vancouver's veteran goalies?
For now, the focus remains on development and performance. The Canucks' continued ability to cultivate quality goaltenders, as evidenced by Tolopilo's emergence, remains a positive narrative for an organization seeking consistent success.
Struggles Elsewhere in the System
While Tolopilo's story brings optimism, the same cannot be said for the AHL's Abbotsford Canucks. After a promising 2-0 start to their season, the team endured a devastating 11-game losing streak. A brief victory, coincidentally with Tolopilo in goal, provided little respite, as the team has since lost five more games.
Their struggles were evident in a recent 4-1 loss to the Tucson Roadrunners, where an initial barrage of 17 shots in the first period failed to translate into a win. The team is currently plagued by an inability to score and defensive breakdowns, a stark contrast to their successful campaign last season.
Meanwhile, Vancouver's new PWHL team, the Goldeneyes, is also experiencing growing pains. After a strong debut, the team has struggled in subsequent road games against Ottawa and New York, showing significant difficulties in generating offence and maintaining defensive structure in the early stages of the franchise.
