DeSmith went 12-9-6 this season as the Vancouver Canucks backup goaltender.
Hours before puck drop on Game 2 versus the Nashville Predators, it was revealed the Vancouver Canucks starting goaltender Thacher Demko would miss the game due to an injury. According to reports, the injury may be long-term and could force Demko to miss the rest of the series. This means that the Canucks will turn to Casey DeSmith in Game 2, hoping to head back to Nashville with a 2-0 series lead.
For DeSmith, this will be his second career playoff start, with the previous coming during Game 1 of the 2022 Pittsburgh Penguins first-round series against the New York Rangers. During the game, DeSmith stopped 48 of 51 shots before having to leave the game in double overtime with an injury. That night, he was replaced by former Vancouver goaltender Louis Domingue, who led Pittsburgh to a 4-3 triple-overtime victory.
Over his career, DeSmith has had success against the Predators. He has a 2-1 record with a .921 save percentage and a 2.31 goals-against average. As for recent history, one of those wins came earlier this season, when DeSmith stopped 26 of 28 shots in a 5-2 victory on Dec. 19.
Focusing on this season, DeSmith put together a 12-9-6 record with a .895 save percentage and a goals-against average of 2.89. In his final game of the regular season, he backstopped the Canucks to a 3-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers, making 32 saves in the process. The win was crucial as it gave Vancouver more space between the Oilers in the standings and allowed the team to capture their first-ever Pacific Division title a few nights later.
The big question heading into this game will be what effect that goaltender switch will have on the Canucks style of play. Vancouver did a great job from a defensive standpoint in Game 1 but should face more pressure from Nashville as they look to tie the series. It won't be an easy game, but DeSmith has shown he can put together strong performances and lead the Canucks to important victories this season.
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