Canucks call up Thatcher Demko, who could play Saturday

Mar 31 2018, 6:03 am

The Vancouver Canucks made a surprising move on Friday, calling up goaltending prospect Thatcher Demko from the Utica Comets.

With Jacob Markstrom playing his best hockey of the season, winning his last four starts, it would seem like an odd time to give Demko a look. But with the flu bug going through the team, it appears backup Anders Nilsson will have to sit out Saturday’s matinee game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

So Demko could come to town to sit on the bench, as he’s done before.

But not so fast.

According to News 1130’s Rick Dhaliwal, who always seems to have the inside source, Demko may indeed get his first-ever NHL start on Saturday.

If he does play, whether it be against the Blue Jackets or one of Vancouver’s remaining four games, Demko has certainly earned it.

The 21-year-old ranks eighth in the AHL with a .921 save percentage this season, appearing in 42 games, playing good hockey behind a not-so-good Utica Comets team. His backup, Richard Bachman, has just a .901 save percentage, by comparison.

Despite a depleted lineup, the Canucks are riding a hot streak of late, winning their last three games.

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