Canucks: Towering Nikita Tolopilo doesn't need motivation, but now he has some to spare
Article content
That summation is affixed to anybody trying to get somewhere in a chosen profession. And for towering Vancouver Canucks goaltender Nikita Tolopilo, it now carries more meaning.
Article content
Article content
His long road to the NHL from Belarus as an undrafted and undaunted dreamer got shorter Sunday when Arturs Silovs was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins for winger Chase Stillman and a fourth-round selection in the 2027 NHL Draft.
Article content
Tolopilo, 25, also earned a two-year, $1.55-million US contract extension last week after a strong AHL season with Calder Cup champion Abbotsford Canucks, so it would be easy for the 6-foot-6, 229-pound Minsk native to have his head in the clouds amid positivity and future promise.
Article content
But that's not Tolopilo. He knows staying humble in a game that can eat you up on or off the ice is imperative, because time moves fast.
Article content
Starting goaltender Thatcher Demko and back-up Kevin Lankinen are locked up financially, and Silovs would probably still be here as the No. 3 if he was waiver exempt. Now, Tolopilo is under a bigger microscope as the go-to guy in Abbotsford and the what-if guy in Vancouver.
Article content
What if Demko suffers another injury? What if Lankinen tweaks something? Tolopilo doesn't dwell on that because he is dialled into the moment and not what may or may not occur.
Article content
Tolopilo had that attitude April 14 in his NHL debut, the second-last game of a season gone seriously south for the Canucks. If he could stay square and calm and not overreact while running on adrenalin, his big night would be deemed a success. It went beyond that.
Article content
Article content
He made 14 saves in a 2-1 overtime victory over the hapless San Jose Sharks at Rogers Arena, and his appreciation of the moment was a window on his competitive world. He didn't look out of place in an NHL game played at a different pace where players are faster, passes are quicker, and shots pack velocity and accuracy.
Article content
Article content
'I was just so glad to get this chance,' said Tolopilo, who left home at age 15 to further his career. 'A long journey for me and I'm so happy. I just want to build from this game, and it gives me more confidence for sure.
Article content
'You don't need to find motivation. NHL is the best league in the world. I've been thinking about this since I was a kid and watching highlights. It's tough to get here. They just don't give it to you.'
Article content
Tolopilo finished with a 1-1-0 NHL record last season, 2.15 goals-against average, and .885 save percentage.
Article content
When Silovs cleared waivers last season to get his game in order after a short and rough NHL run that finished with a 2-6-1 mark, 3.65 GAA and .861 saves percentage, Tolopilo remained the capable, supportive and confident teammate.
Article content
He even outplayed Silovs and went 20-14-2 in the regular season with a 2.66 GAA., .902 saves percentage and four shutouts — including back-to-back blankings — to showcase improving skill. And in a league where games can be a scramble and when goaltending structure, tracking, and consistency are under constant fire, an ability to cover a lot of net didn't go unnoticed.
Article content
Especially when Silovs got on a run and then took it to another level in the playoffs. His remarkable 16-7-0 record, 2.01 GAA., .931 saves percentage and five postseason shutouts — one shy of the AHL record — obviously drew the attention of NHL clubs, who knew Silovs wouldn't clear waivers next season. He was trade bait.
Article content
The Canucks also know the goaltending position is demanding and draining, and injuries are a constant concern.
Article content
There is nothing to suggest Demko isn't tracking to return to top form. He is training and skating and has a year left on his current contract before a three-year, $25.5-million US extension kicks in. The term was a clear indication of management caution.
Article content
Article content
Demko was a Vezina Trophy finalist in 2024 and that spoke to superiority when there is durability. In 51 games in 2023-24, before being sidelined by a freak popliteus knee-muscle strain at the back his knee on April 21, he posted a career-best 2.45 GAA., .918 saves percentage and five shutouts.
Article content
However, popliteus rehab became arduous. Demko didn't see the net last season for the first 26 games and also missed 15 with an undisclosed Feb. 8 ailment. Prior to that setback, he was 3-1-1 with a 1.25 GAA, .952 saves percentage, and a shutout.
Article content
So, when healthy, Demko is very good. The Canucks are banking that. The pressing question is will the popliteus pop up again to be a problem?
Article content
'It's such a rare injury, but it could occur again if (Demko) were to have a movement or contact that causes the injury,' B.C. physician Dr. Harjas Grewal told Postmedia. 'It could happen with direct contact to the outer knee, or even just rotation of the knee while it's flexed.
Article content
'Most muscles work to move the knee forward and backward. The popliteus is unique and important in starting flexion. To get into a butterfly, or any other position, initial knee bending is initiated by the popliteus.
Article content
'These types of plays happen a lot, and this injury is so rare that it would shock me to happen again. In terms of prevention, there's not much outside of regular strengthening exercises and ensuring good mobility.
Article content
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CBC
31 minutes ago
- CBC
Bouchard to open final tournament against Colombia's Arango at National Bank Open in Montreal
Eugenie Bouchard's final tennis tournament will begin against Colombia's Emiliana Arango at the National Bank Open. Bouchard, who reached No. 5 in the WTA rankings in a breakout 2014 season, announced she will retire at the end of her hometown event. The 31-year-old from Westmount, Que., made it to the Wimbledon women's final in 2014, losing to Petra Kvitova in straight sets. She became the first Canadian woman in the open era to reach a Grand Slam singles final. Bouchard received a main-draw wild card to the WTA 1000 tournament in Montreal, which began play with qualifying Saturday. This year's edition features a revamped 12-day, 96-player format. The top 32 seeds, led by world No. 2 Coco Gauff, received byes to the second round. A record eight Canadians are in the main draw. That number could increase with five others playing in qualifying. Rising star Victoria Mboko of Toronto takes on Australia's Kimberly Birrell in first-round action. Bianca Andreescu of Mississauga, Ont., who won the tournament in Toronto in 2019, faces a tough opening matchup against the Czech Republic's Barbora Krejcikova, a two-time Grand Slam champion.
National Post
an hour ago
- National Post
Bouchard to open final tournament against Arango at National Bank Open in Montreal
MONTREAL — Eugenie Bouchard's final tennis tournament will begin against Colombia's Emiliana Arango at the National Bank Open. Article content Bouchard, who reached No. 5 in the WTA rankings in a breakout 2014 season, announced she will retire at the end of her hometown event. Article content Article content The 31-year-old from Westmount, Que., made it to the Wimbledon women's final in 2014, losing to Petra Kvitova in straight sets. She became the first Canadian woman in the open era to reach a Grand Slam singles final. Article content Bouchard received a main-draw wild card to the WTA 1000 tournament in Montreal, which began play with qualifying Saturday. Article content This year's edition features a revamped 12-day, 96-player format. The top 32 seeds, led by world No. 2 Coco Gauff, received byes to the second round. Article content A record eight Canadians are in the main draw. That number could increase with five others playing in qualifying. Article content Rising star Victoria Mboko of Toronto takes on Australia's Kimberly Birrell in first-round action. Article content Bianca Andreescu of Mississauga, Ont., who won the tournament in Toronto in 2019, faces a tough opening matchup against Czechia's Barbora Krejcikova, a two-time Grand Slam champion. Article content
CBC
an hour ago
- CBC
Roughriders bring their season record to 6-1 after defeating Elks
The first-place Saskatchewan Roughriders are finding ways to win despite the lack of a killer instinct. The Riders, who improved to 6-1 with a 21-18 victory over the Edmonton Elks on Friday, have had the propensity this season to take an early lead but then allow their opponents to get back into the game. That's exactly what happened against the Elks as the Riders held a comfortable 21-4 lead after the third quarter only to take their foot off the gas and find themselves having to fend off a late Edmonton comeback. Quarterback Trevor Harris was visibly frustrated with the Riders failing to put the Elks away when they had the chance. "There's obviously some positive things to take away, but I'm sure you guys could probably guess that I'm not happy with the way that we finished the game offensively. You know, if you want to be a championship calibre team, you've got to put the nail in the coffin and we didn't do that," said Harris, who completed 25 of his 33 passes for 268 yards with a pair of touchdowns on the night. "But that being said, I think this is a team that can take a look in the mirror and get better. It's not like: 'We don't have the guys' or `We're screwed.' It's just one of those things. We've got to take a look in the mirror and be better toward the end of the game. And we will, you can mark my words." Riders head coach Corey Mace, while sharing some of his quarterback's frustration, also sees glimmers of hope from his players. "We can talk about it all we want, we can talk situational football, about having a killer instinct and what to expect in certain situations but ultimately, the players win games. There were a couple of plays tonight where I'm going to look back and think I should have called something better defensively. And yet they made the play look unbelievable, you know? They have that talent, man. So, if we get a call, that's awesome, and they can also be unbelievable. That's where we've got to go, we've got to continue to grow," said Mace. "We just kind of continue to work at that stuff. I don't know if it's physical or mental or if it's a lack of focus. Maybe we're not coaching it hard enough, we could look in the mirror from that standpoint. So, everybody will continue to do it." The Elks, who are now 1-5, made a change at starting quarterback this week, replacing Tre Ford with veteran Cody Fajardo. The Edmonton offence struggled to find a rhythm, especially in the third quarter when they were held to four yards of total offence in three possessions. "I think the thought that comes to mind is our defence and how they got off the field. We had the ball around midfield, and then we went two and out, and that crushed us," said Fajardo, who was dealt to the Elks in the off-season after two seasons with the Montreal Alouettes. "There was another one of those sacks where it was a run-pass option. I pulled it, I tried to pull up and make a throw, and their defensive ends are athletic and made a good play. If I hand off the ball there, who knows what happens? It was just a terrible read by me, and I've got to be better for this team." Fajardo, who played for the Riders from 2019 to 2022, was making his first start against Saskatchewan since leaving the franchise as a free agent and signing with the Alouettes in 2023. Despite the slow start, Fajardo completed 26 of 33 passes for 346 yards and two touchdowns. Fajardo said the despite the loss, the mood in the Edmonton locker room is still good. "We want to win games but it's hard to take moral victories in professional sports because it's outcome driven. You look at the scoreboard and you see if you win or lose. Stats don't mean anything to me. It's winning or losing," Fajardo said. "We're still learning, but like I said, we're running out of time to learn. We've got to find ways to win football games. But I think this is a confident group that's just going to continue to improve." Two major impact points in the contest were the ability of Saskatchewan's defence to control the line of scrimmage and the undisciplined play of the Elks. While the Riders rung up eight sacks and limited the Elks to 25 yards rushing on nine carries, Edmonton hurt themselves by taking 11 penalties for 133 yards, compared with Saskatchewan's six penalties for 53 yards. The Saskatchewan defence answered the bell on Edmonton's last drive of the game. Trailing by three points with 24 seconds remaining, the Elks started their final possession on their own five-yard line. The Elks moved to the 32-yard line after a 12-yard scramble by Fajardo and a 15-yard roughing penalty against the Riders. Saskatchewan, however, sealed the victory by sacking Fajardo on the final two plays of the game. When asked how the defence was able to continually pressure Fajardo Saskatchewan defensive tackle Micah Johnson said it just the scheme. "All week we were talking about everybody just doing their job. I think it really showed that we could be a great defence. We take pride in stopping the run, that's first and foremost. That's our bread and butter so for us, it was super important to come out and stop the run. We hang our hat on that, and we think we're the best rush defence in the league." Johnson, Malik Carney and Shane Ray had two sacks each for the Riders, while A.J. Allen and C.J. Reavis added one sack apiece. Samuel Emilus, on a 15-yard reception, and KeeSean Johnson, on a six-yard catch, scored touchdowns for the Riders. Emilus had six receptions for 113 yards before leaving the game in the fourth quarter with a knee injury. Johnson added nine catches for 78 yards. Kaion Julien-Grant and Steven Dunbar Jr. had touchdown receptions of 57 and 13 yards respectively in the fourth quarter for the Elks.
