Tocchet gives Demko injury update and he’s feeling optimistic for Vancouver Canucks
Thatcher Demko didn’t last long in the Vancouver Canucks game against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
He started the contest but left about halfway through the first period during a television timeout. Demko chatted with head coach Rick Tocchet briefly before heading down the tunnel to the Canucks dressing room.
Kevin Lankinen took over and finished the rest of the game. The Canucks managed to pull out a 2-1 win with Lankinen making several huge saves down the stretch.
“That’s why you prepare. That’s what you’ve got to be ready for, whatever happens, and whatever comes way, so that’s where preparation comes in,” said Lankinen postgame.
The good news is that Tocchet had a very positive postgame Demko injury update.
“Just something happened during the game. I don’t think it’s that serious, I don’t know, from early reports,” confirmed the head coach.
“It’s not the knee…I don’t think it’s that serious, but we’ll see.”
It’s not clear what play Demko may have potentially injured himself on or what body part the possible injury may be affecting.
He was seen stretching out his left leg during the game, and he looked to be in some discomfort at points. The good news is that it’s not related to his troublesome knee injury he’s struggled with so much.
Thatcher Demko is not returning to the game
looks like something with his left leg pic.twitter.com/q4XXW4tCLj
— Omar (@TicTacTOmar) February 9, 2025
This isn’t the first time Demko has left a Canucks game midway through this season. He left the club’s January 2 game against the Seattle Kraken early and missed a few games after with back spasms.
It’s been an extremely difficult season for the 29-year-old. He’s battled his way back from a very rare knee injury, and his return to play hasn’t gone all that smoothly. He has a 6-6-3 record, a 2.90 goals-against-average, and a .889 save percentage.
However, Demko has shown major signs of progress over the past few starts. He allowed just one goal in his two starts before today’s and made 59 saves. For him to get hurt again at this time would be an incredibly bad break.
The good news is that the Canucks have a long break before playing again. The 4 Nations Face-Off tournament means the team doesn’t play again until February 22.
Demko has been open and honest about the challenges the past 12 months have presented. It’s not been an easy road, and if he is injured again, that’s another roadblock he will need to overcome.
Lankinen has been a great option for the Canucks this season and has an 18-8-7 record. He’s played great both as the starter when Demko’s been hurt and as a partner in the goalie tandem when Demko is healthy.