Canucks suffer huge blow as Demko may miss rest of the first round

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TJ Tucker
April 23, 2024 (2:14 PM)

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The Vancouver Canucks have suffered a huge blow to their playoff hopes as number one goaltender Thatcher Demko is out with an injury and won't be back for a while.

After not making the Stanley Cup Playoffs for three years in a row, the Vancouver Canucks have taken a major hit to their roster as their number one goaltender is out with an injury. To make matters worse, Thatcher Demko may not be able to return to the first round series against the Nashville Predators.

"Hearing Thatcher Demko injured and questionable for rest of series."

That means Casey DeSmith will likely be the starting goaltender for game 2 tonight against the Nashville Predators, and possibly the rest of the series. DeSmith played in 29 regular season games for Vancouver in 2023-24, managing a record of 12-9-6, with a save percentage of .896. Backing him up will be third stringer Arturs Silovs.

Demko missed 14 regular season games near the end of the season with a knee injury. No official word on what his current ailment is, but he did recieve treatment after the game 1 win.

"Demko not on the ice for #Canucks at morning skate. Got treatment after game 1 and did not skate yesterday. Stay tuned."

Demko is a two-time All-Star and has played with the Vancouver Canucks his entire NHL career since being drafted by the team in the second round in 2014.

Update

Rick Tocchet says Demko skated yesterday. He's not going to play tonight. They're going to evaluate him today on something that isn't the same injury that he missed time with late in the year. #Canucks    @Sportsnet650