Hughes was so happy for Demko after Vancouver Canucks goalie's heroic return
The Vancouver Canucks need everything to go their way to make the playoffs, and one massive development is the return of Thatcher Demko.
The former All-Star goalie started last night against the New Jersey Devils, playing for the first time since February 8 when he left a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs early.
Despite not getting the typical on-ice recovery plan ahead of the Devils game, Demko played very well, helping the Canucks escape with a 4-3 shootout win.
The 29-year-old’s effort to return quickly with the team in the middle of a playoff chase, and regular starter Kevin Lankinen less than 100%, did not go unnoticed by his teammates.
Captain Quinn Hughes was thrilled for Demko and couldn’t stop praising him during a postgame interview with ESPN.
“He’s a Vezina-type goalie, definitely could’ve probably won the Vezina last year, and when he’s in the net, it’s a different feeling.”
“I think he’s had like two team practices, maybe even one before tonight, so probably wasn’t even close to 100%, and he just gutted one out for us, [he] was an absolute beast. He’s just one of the most competitive guys I know, and for him to come out and gut that one out for us [was huge].”
Demko’s biggest moment came during overtime when he robbed Paul Cotter on a two-on-one. He did the splits to get across the crease and stick out the pad, keeping the Canucks alive and eventually earning them an extra point.
“That save he made in overtime, classic me playing the two-on-one like sh*t, but I can’t say enough about Thatch,” continued Hughes.
ARE YOU KIDDING THATCHER DEMKO đ± pic.twitter.com/HxxLAjHtvL
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) March 25, 2025
“The save in overtime, that’s Thatcher,” added Rick Tocchet. “(I’m) just really proud of him. It’s been a tough six weeks for him, and I think he’s on the right track. (He) didn’t have many practices, that’s hard to do…to go in there and play in overtime, made some post-to-post saves, he was terrific for us tonight.”
Demko has been through a lot this season, starting the year sidelined with an injury and then struggling to ever get into a routine. Last night’s performance was huge, and if he can keep that up down the stretch, it’ll do a lot for the Canucks playoff chances.