The Vancouver Canucks Confirm The Worst Regarding Thatcher Demko's Injury

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Hunter Bowman
March 11, 2024 (5:48 PM)

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The Vancouver Canucks are dealing with a tough situation, as their top goaltender, Thatcher Demko, is going to miss two to three weeks due to a knee injury. This update came from TSN's Farhan Lalji early Monday, casting a shadow over the team's immediate future.

Lalji tweeted, "Demko out 2-3 weeks. Schedule sets up well for #Canucks with 4 teams currently out of the playoffs after they face the Avs.»

Lalji's report points out that Demko's knee is the culprit this time, which should see him out of action for a brief period. Casey DeSmith is expected to step up during Demko's absence, as the Canucks face off against tough opponents like the Colorado Avalanche, Washington Capitals, Buffalo Sabres, Montreal Canadiens, and Calgary Flames.

Rick Dhaliwal from The Athletic, a close observer of the Canucks, mentioned that this knee issue is a new problem for Demko, separate from the groin injury that troubled him in the previous season.

Dhaliwal's comments offer some relief, indicating that Demko could return in less than a month and doesn't have to worry about his past groin injury flaring up.

"I'm told it's a knee injury for Demko. Rick confirms it's not anything he's dealt with previously.»

Despite losing Demko for a short stretch, the Canucks are sitting pretty at the top of the Pacific Division, enjoying a 10-point lead over their closest rivals, the Edmonton Oilers. This position should help them maintain their playoff push, especially with a lighter schedule ahead, as Lalji highlighted.

Demko has been pivotal for the Canucks this season, earning an All-Star selection and being in the conversation for the Vezina Trophy. With a stellar 34-13-2 record, a .917 save percentage, and five shutouts in 49 appearances, his absence is a tough pill to swallow for the team and its fans.

Source: Puckreporter