Injury update on Thatcher Demko brings optimism to the Vancouver Canucks' season

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Maverick Mitchell
October 29, 2024 (6:35 PM)

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After practice today, Vancouver Canucks head Coach Rick Tocchet spoke to the media to give an injury update on the teams superstar goalie, Thatcher Demko.

Ever since Demko went down with a knee injury in the first game of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Nashville Predators, he has not seen any competitive play. Demko developed a rare but serious injury to the popliteus muscle, which is located at the back of the knee that makes it difficult to move, stretch and find stability, which a goalie in the NHL desperately needs.

Fans started getting their first glimpse of Demko as he was spotted going through special training with the Canucks goalie coach. But it was believed that he was still a long way from seeing NHL action.

"We are probably still a ways away. I think the easiest way to explain it is, the Canucks are leaving this into Thatcher Demko's hands, to tell them when he's comfortable to return. Watched him on the ice on Tuesday, well after their optional morning skate, I posted a video, he was essentially planted in the crease, on one knee. He did this on both sides. There was a coach in the corner, on either side, and a bungee cord, and they were basically trying to pull him out of the crease. It was his job to essentially stabilize himself." - Frank Seravalli

Head Coach Rick Tocchet provides optimistic injury update on Thatcher Demko

«He's had, like, four really good days, which is good,» said Tocchet about the injured goalie. «He's stacked some consecutive days together; that's a really good thing. That's positive.» - Tocchet

Unfortunately, even though this is optimistic news for Demko, it really is not for Vancouver Canucks fans, as it stands, it seems like he still not close to returning, but.. he is improving, not digressing.

Fortunately for the Canucks, they do not have too much to worry about as of right now as they have been getting amazing performances out of of season signee Kevin Lankinen. The goalie from Finland has achieved a 4-0-2 record so far this year with a .920% save percentage.