Thatcher Demko Status and Team Update
Goaltender Jiri Patera has been called up on an emergency basis as the Canucks face back-to-back games this weekend. Meanwhile, Thatcher Demko’s day-to-day status may become a familiar pattern for Canucks fans moving forward.
Demko’s Injury and Impact
Demko suffered a rare torn popliteus muscle injury in Game 1 of the first-round playoff series during the 2023-2024 season. This injury severely limited him to just 23 games last season, resulting in the worst performance of his otherwise strong career.
A torn popliteus muscle is difficult to recover from and might affect Demko for the rest of his career. The severity and management of the injury greatly influence its impact. So far, Demko has been instrumental in keeping the Canucks competitive despite numerous injuries across the roster.
Performance and Management Strategy
- Demko has won five of his nine starts this season.
- He has started 9 of the 15 games so far, putting him on pace for around 49 starts this season.
- His save percentage stands at .912, closely matching his career average of .910.
- Demko holds a 7.6 Goals Saved Above Expected (GSAx), ranking him fifth in the NHL this season.
To manage his injury, Demko is likely to take planned rest days during practices and games to reduce the risk of re-injury.
"Demko will likely have to take planned maintenance days from practices and games as a preventative measure in order to minimize the risk of re-injury."
Demko remains a key figure for Vancouver, demonstrating resilience and consistent performance despite ongoing challenges with his injury.
Author’s summary: Despite a rare and lingering injury, Thatcher Demko’s strong performance and careful management keep him a crucial asset for the Canucks this season.