Vancouver Canucks issue update on Thatcher Demko’s status
After missing Friday’s practice, Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko will not be available for Saturday night’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. The news disappointed fans hoping for his return.
“We had a conversation with him to take care of himself, and know, in a condensed schedule, when he feels he needs a little bit of time off, that’s what he’s doing,”
— head coach Adam Foote
Demko started the season strong, carrying a 5-4 record with a .911 save percentage. According to MoneyPuck, he ranks fifth in the NHL in goals saved above expected.
Reporter Brendan Batchelor from Sportsnet 650 noted that Demko skated on Saturday morning, though he will not dress for the game. Kevin Lankinen will get the start in goal.
“Thatcher Demko skated this morning, but won’t dress.”
— Brendan Batchelor, Sportsnet 650
With Demko out, Vancouver recalled goaltender Jiri Patera under emergency conditions on Friday. Patera, however, did not join practice as he was traveling with the Abbotsford Canucks for their AHL series against the Colorado Eagles. As a result, the Canucks were left with Lankinen and local amateur Alex Kotai during Friday’s session.
Author’s Summary
Thatcher Demko remains sidelined despite skating, prompting the Canucks to rely on Kevin Lankinen as starter and call up Jiri Patera as an emergency backup.