Looking back, Schillov said he has gained a great opportunity to prepare for those moments and love being someone his teammates can rely on.
“So many things can happen,” he said. “D-Man can fall down, anyone can fall down. Just give these guys a safety net, I think it’s really important. Like on the bench, they say it’s a disconnect and they know it’s like, he knows, you know, you know? He’ll score. We’ll score. I’m just looking at this mentality, I think it’s a way to do that.”
Dubas said during a hockey appearance that Schillov was a player who had been hovering for a long time in the Penguin goalkeeper department.
“He just showed the ability to rise in those moments,” Dubas said.
The president of Pittsburgh hockey business moves forward, GM general manager says it’s all about finding consistency throughout the season and being reliable at night.
“We will have more opportunities and the runway to make him a little bit more ups and downs because of where we are, and where the Karnak is, we will have more opportunities and the runway to make him a little bit of a slump,” Dubas said. “For us, knowing he can step up in the tough times in the playoffs and the world championships, it’s hard to find a goalkeeper with the same thing.”
As Vancouver decides to move forward at the NHL level with Demko and Kevin Lankinen, the Penguins are able to pay some of the capital they have accumulated to acquire Silovs, who have 19 NHL experience games.
“I think it’s a great thing for me to have a chance to play,” Schillovs said. “Because, I mean, it’s tough. The three goalkeepers there were sitting on the tough roads. I think it’s a great opportunity to play in the NHL. I just want to grab it and do what I can.”
Currently, the NHL has five goalkeepers with Pittsburgh: Silovs, Tristan Jarry, Joel Blomqvist, Filip Larsson and Sergei Murashov. Dubas said ultimately, the two best goalkeepers coming out of training camp will be in the opening roster. To do this, he just wanted to continue building every day.
“Just focus on yourself,” he said. “Like, do my thing, practice my game details. It doesn’t matter like what other people do. To me, it’s just focusing on myself, that’s all.”
He has been comfortable with his new environment, which has helped a lot.
“Yes, it’s amazing,” Silovs said. “Just just see the practice facilities, everyone is so professional and hospitality here, and it’s great to be around these guys. Work hard…yes, so far, it’s an honor and fun.”
