The Vancouver Canucks have been riddled with injuries this season, something that has set them back. One of those injuries includes their starting goaltender, Thatcher Demko.
The Canucks have been without Demko for the last eight months due to a knee issue. He returned in December, only be out in the beginning of January.
In the seven games that Demko has started, he has two wins, one loss, and three overtime losses. In his seventh game he was pulled for his back injury.
The Canucks head coach, Rick Tocchet, is hopeful that Demko will find his game.
“Yeah, I do, because he’s a grinder. He’s meticulous, he’s a hard worker. He’ll do whatever it takes to get his game, and that’s why you always feel that he’s going to be back.”
Demko has the experience, professionalism and the seniority that has helped him in a leadership role. With his return after eight months, it helped boost the confidence of the team. Hopefully bringing back the fire and the drive that is missing.
The Canucks have had some luck with backup goaltender Kevin Lankinen and Arturs Silovs. Lankinen has played in 28 games, starting 27 of them for the Canucks. He has 15 wins, seven losses, and six overtime losses.
As of January 9th, the Canucks had reassigned rookie goaltender Silovs back to the AHL Abbotsford Canucks. This clearly indicates that Thatcher Demko is healthy enough and will return to the lineup shortly.
After an eight-month hiatus due to his knee injury, Demko returned ready to win and play. However, on January 2nd, Thatcher removed himself from the game against the Seattle Kraken. He had felt tightness in his back, which progressively worsened during the second period.
He alluded to the fact that he has played through various injuries. However, this particular injury did not let up, and he decided to pull himself before it worsened.
Since Demko removed himself from the game, the Canucks have lost three of the four games played. Two of those losses were in overtime.
Finding wins has been challenging for the Canucks lately. They have played 40 games and have a record of 18-12-10, putting them fourth in the Western Conference.
Demko returned to the sidelines on Wednesday when Vancouver faced the Washington Capitals. The Capitals won 2-1 in overtime, Conor Garland being the sole goal scorer for the Canucks.
With previous injuries and back issues plaguing the goaltender, it will take time for him to bounce back to the playoff goaltender we saw last season. Luckily, he has Lankinen to share the net with, a goaltender who has proved his skill while covering for Demko.
Demko played in 51 games last season, with a record of 35-14-2. He played in the 2024 All-Star game in Toronto and was on the NHL Second All-Star Team the same year. He also assisted in the success of the Canucks, winning the Western Division and making it to the playoffs.
Vancouver has 42 games left in the season and are flirting with the wild-card spot at this time. They are also short a few other players out with injury, which has negatively affected the team.
Hopefully, Demko will take the steps to make sure he feels healthy. Rushing a goaltender like Demko back onto the ice can lead to further issues if he is not ready. The team needs the assurance that he is better and will be returning his groove to his full potential.
The Vancouver Canucks are facing the Carolina Hurricanes on Friday, January 10th. They will then turn around and fly to Toronto to take on the Maple Leafs.
It is unknown if Demko will start in net on Friday or Saturday.
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