Tocchet shares positive injury update on Vancouver Canucks goalie Demko
Thatcher Demko is getting close to returning for the Vancouver Canucks.
The goalie is working his way back from yet another injury. He started the season hurt and has suffered multiple injuries throughout the year, the latest being a groin ailment, which has kept him out for six weeks and counting.
Over the past few days, Demko has taken some massive steps forward, which shows he’s getting really close to playing again. He participated in the first part of a Canucks practice last Friday before leaving early, a pre-planned departure that was part of his recovery program.
Today, Demko was a full participant in morning skate as the team prepared for a huge game against the St. Louis Blues. He had his own net while Kevin Lankinen and Arturs Silovs rotated on the other end.
“Demmer had a really good practice the other day,” said Tocchet this morning. “I know it’s a morning skate, [but he] got the full net. He’s obviously getting close, but what date? I don’t have an exact date.”
This is really good news for the Canucks, who are in the midst of a playoff race. While Demko’s numbers haven’t been that great this season — he has just a .891 save percentage across 17 starts — the 29-year-old is one of the NHL’s best goalies when on his game.
When Demko has returned from previous injuries this season, the Canucks have eased him back, letting him backup before starting. It doesn’t appear they’ll do the same this time as there are so few games remaining.
“When he’s ready to go, you play him,” continued Tocchet. “If he has to back up first before he plays, I’m not quite sure about that… if he’s healthy, we’ve got to stick him in.”
The Canucks have a tight schedule at this time of year, playing every second day and spending almost the entirety of the next two weeks on the road. That makes it hard for Demko to get practice time, which he ideally needs before jumping right back into a game.
Demko finished second in Vezina Trophy voting last year despite missing time with an injury. If the Canucks can sneak into the playoffs, getting their star goalie back fully healthy could give them a massive boost for any first-round matchup.