Vancouver Canucks provide update on Thatcher Demko
After missing Friday’s practice, Thatcher Demko has been ruled out for the Vancouver Canucks’ Saturday night game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. The news disappointed fans hoping for his quick return.
Sportsnet 650 reporter Brendan Batchelor confirmed that although Demko skated Saturday morning, he will not suit up for the game. Kevin Lankinen will start in goal for Vancouver.
“We had a conversation with him to take care of himself, and in a condensed schedule, when he feels he needs a little time off, that’s what he’s doing,” said head coach Adam Foote.
Before this setback, Demko had a promising start to the season with a 5–4 record and a .911 save percentage. According to MoneyPuck, he currently ranks fifth in the NHL for goals saved above expected.
With Demko unavailable, the Canucks recalled Jiri Patera on Friday under emergency conditions. However, Patera was unable to join practice because he was traveling with the Abbotsford Canucks for their AHL games against the Colorado Eagles. As a result, Lankinen and Abbotsford-based goaltender Alex Kotai took part in Friday’s session.
Author’s Summary
Thatcher Demko will miss the Canucks’ matchup against Columbus due to a brief rest, with Kevin Lankinen starting and Jiri Patera called up as backup.