Penguins make massive goalie change, adding an interesting twist to must-win Game 4

The 25-year-old appeared in three games for Team Latvia at the 2026 Winter Olympics and has 10 previous Stanley Cup Playoff starts, all of which came during a surprise run for the Vancouver Canucks during the 2023-24 season.

Now, that may have made you sit up because you realized the little subplot this movie adds to the series.

The coach of those 2023-24 Canucks? None other than current Flyers bench-boss Rick Tocchet.

I like it when coaches say, "It wasn't because of his play..." because, obviously, it is to some extent. If they had been kicking a-- and taking names all series long, they wouldn't be pulling him.

But, in a situation like this, you have to shake things up. However, is it good to shake things up by opting for a backup goalie who the opposing coach is very familiar with?

I don't know that it is, but what choice do they have?

So, it's worth a shot, but this is a definite Hail Mary, especially when the guy behind the other bench is likely to point out every little weakness he has.