Thatcher Demko, the Vancouver Canucks’ goaltender, exited the game against the Winnipeg Jets early on Tuesday night. This marked his return after a hiatus of over a week.
Game Summary: Canucks vs. Jets
Demko started in goal for the Canucks, playing only the first period. He faced a challenging matchup, allowing three goals on just eight shots. Notably, two of these goals were scored by the Jets within a mere 15 seconds.
Replacement by Backup Goaltender
Due to his early exit, Demko was replaced by backup goalie Kevin Lankinen at the start of the second period. This substitution reflected the urgency of the situation following the unexpected performance in the first period.
Thatcher Demko’s Recent Performance
Before this game, Demko had been sidelined for three matches due to undisclosed personal reasons. His last appearance was on November 3, where he contributed to a 5-4 overtime victory against the Nashville Predators. In that game, he showcased his skills but faced challenges during the current contest.
Season Statistics
- Record: 5 wins, 4 losses (5-4-0)
- Save Percentage: .912
- Goals-Against Average: 2.57
Thatcher Demko’s performance this season reflects a mixed bag, especially as he missed much of the previous season due to a knee injury. In 2022, he played only 23 games, achieving a record of 10 wins, 8 losses, and posting a save percentage of .889 with a goals-against average of 2.90.
Coaching Insights
Canucks head coach Adam Foote noted that Demko was “taking care of himself” amid the busy schedule this season. However, he did not clarify whether Demko was dealing with any specific injury at this time.
As the NHL season progresses, the Canucks will need to monitor Demko’s condition and performance closely. His impact on the ice can significantly influence the team’s success.
