Ever since suffering his knee injury in early-March and subsequently being placed on long-term injured reserve, the timeline for his return hasn't changed and that he would play a couple of games before the end of the regular season, with April 16th's game against Calgary as the target.
Now, given how he's feeling, there's a chance Demko could suit up for the Canucks on Saturday against the Edmonton Oilers but it's more likely he'll get in a few more practices before returning to the lineup.
After practice on Thursday, Demko was asked by the media repeatedly if he would be able to return to the crease on Saturday against Edmonton. After being asked by Jeff Patterson, the Canucks goaltender gave an hilarious response.
Thatcher Demko's importance to the Vancouver Canucks can't be understated and during his absence, Casey DeSmith and Arturs Silovs have kept the team's heads above water, but they need their star netminder back, there's no question about that. Having Demko return to the lineup in time for the Stanley Cup Playoffs is massive for the organization, as going into the post-season with a fully-healthy roster will be key if they want to make a deep run.
If Demko doesn't return to the crease on Saturday against Edmonton, he'll have two more opportunities to get into game action before the playoffs - April 16th against Calgary and April 18th against the Winnipeg Jets.
POLL | ||
When do you think Thatcher Demko will return to the crease? | ||
Tomorrow vs Edmonton | 105 | 16.2 % |
April 16th vs Calgary | 439 | 67.9 % |
April 18th vs Winnipeg | 103 | 15.9 % |
List of polls |