Thatcher Demko to start for Canucks vs. Blues

All-Star Goalie Thatcher Demko Set to Make Season Debut for Vancouver Canucks

After a long wait, Vancouver Canucks’ star goalie Thatcher Demko is gearing up to make his first start of the season on Tuesday. Head coach Rick Tocchet confirmed during the morning skate that Demko will be manning the net as the Canucks face off against the St. Louis Blues.

The 28-year-old goaltender from San Diego, Calif., last saw game action on April 24 during the playoffs against the Nashville Predators, where he sustained a knee injury. Since then, Demko has been diligently working on his recovery to get back to top form.

Coach Tocchet explained that several factors played into the decision to start Demko on Tuesday, emphasizing the importance of making him feel comfortable and integrating him back into the team. Despite Kevin Lankinen’s strong performance in Demko’s absence, the Canucks are eager to have their star goalie back in action.

Demko’s impressive stats from last season, with a 35-14-2 record, a .918 save percentage, and five shutouts, highlight his prowess in the net. His return is highly anticipated by fans and teammates alike.

In a recent interview, Demko acknowledged the challenge of returning to game action after an injury layoff, tempering his expectations while expressing gratitude for Lankinen’s stellar play in his absence. The camaraderie between the two goalies has been a positive aspect for the team this season.

Demko’s comeback to the lineup as the starting goalie is expected to boost the morale of the Canucks’ skaters as they face a tough opponent in the Blues. Coach Tocchet emphasized the importance of supporting Demko with strong defensive play and team effort.

This article was rewritten based on a report by The Canadian Press published on Dec. 10, 2024.