Tokarski will start with Armstrong sick

Spokane Chiefs starting goaltender Kevin Armstrong appears doubtful for this weekend’s opening-round playoff games in Everett.

Armstrong has the flu, according to the team. The veteran missed practice the past two days and a decision will be made this morning on whether he will travel with the team.

“If we were leaving (Wednesday), he wouldn’t be going,” said general manager Tim Speltz.

Backup Dustin Tokarski, a rookie, and call-up Darcy Kuemper were the goalies in practice while Armstrong rested. They will both travel with the team, regardless of Armstrong’s status, and Tokarski would be the starter.

Armstrong (23-17-3-3, 48 games, two shutouts) and Tokarski (13-11-1-1, 30 games, two shutouts) posted identical goals-against averages of 2.80.