The highly anticipated schedule for the upcoming Vancouver Canucks vs. Edmonton Oilers series has been released, with Game 1 set to take place on Wednesday, April 28th. However, the Canucks will have to face the Oilers without their star goaltender, Thatcher Demko, who has been ruled out for the first game.
The Canucks and Oilers will face off in a best-of-seven series, with the first two games taking place in Edmonton before the series shifts to Vancouver for Games 3 and 4. If necessary, Game 5 will be back in Edmonton, followed by Game 6 in Vancouver, and a potential Game 7 back in Edmonton.
This series marks the first time the Canucks and Oilers have faced each other in the playoffs since 1992, when the Oilers swept the Canucks in four games. The Oilers finished second in the North Division this season, while the Canucks finished fourth.
Unfortunately for the Canucks, they will have to start the series without Demko, who has been a key player for the team this season. The 25-year-old goaltender has a record of 12-12-1 with a .915 save percentage and two shutouts. He has also been a crucial part of the Canucks’ success in the playoffs last year, where he helped lead the team to the second round.
It is unclear at this time why Demko has been ruled out for Game 1, but it is speculated that he may be dealing with an injury. This news comes as a blow to the Canucks, who will have to rely on their backup goaltender, Braden Holtby, for the first game.
Despite this setback, the Canucks remain determined and focused on the task at hand. They are looking to make a statement in this series and prove that they are a force to be reckoned with in the North Division.
Fans are eagerly anticipating the start of this series, which is sure to be an intense and exciting matchup between two talented teams. The Canucks will have to bring their A-game if they want to come out on top against the Oilers, who have been a dominant force this season.
As the countdown to Game 1 begins, all eyes will be on the Canucks and Oilers as they battle it out for a chance to advance in the playoffs. It is sure to be a thrilling series that hockey fans won’t want to miss.
