In this edition of the Vancouver Canucks News & Rumours, Thatcher Demko returns in net for the Canucks. Meanwhile, Elias Pettersson is sent back to Vancouver after suffering an injury. Additionally, Quinn Hughes praises his teammates for their recent play.
Thatcher Demko Returns
Thatcher Demko returned to action for the first time in over a month in the Canucks’ matchup against the New Jersey Devils. The goaltender has missed the majority of the season, playing in only 18 games due to a knee injury earlier in the year and a groin issue following his return. In his comeback, he made 22 saves and posted a .880 save percentage in the Canucks’ shootout win.
“Maybe not 100 percent yet,” Demko said. “But, you know, that’s how it goes with coming back from injury. This time of year, there aren’t a lot of practices, and things can change quickly with lineups and everything else going on. You’ve just got to kind of trust yourself, trust the guys are going to play a good game—and they did tonight.
“You want to come in and contribute. The guys have been doing so well, competing every night, and you certainly don’t want to come in and contribute the wrong way. So, a huge fight for us, coming down to the last minute and getting the extra point. Again, just super proud of the team.”
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported that the Canucks nearly pulled Kevin Lankinen against the New York Rangers because he was sick. The Finnish goalie didn’t back up Demko in the matchup against the Devils either.
Meanwhile, Demko has been working behind the scenes to return. Friedman added that the Canucks need their star goaltender with their season on the line—and Demko knows it. Vancouver currently sits three points behind the St. Louis Blues with a game in hand. Demko’s performance down the stretch will be crucial if the Canucks hope to secure the second wild-card spot.
The Canucks dominated the Rangers in a 5–3 loss, outshooting them 39–12. But it was a costly game—not only did Vancouver lose on the scoreboard, they also lost two of their top forwards to injury. Pettersson exited midway through the second period after showing visible discomfort before a faceoff. Meanwhile, Nils Höglander played just 7:03 before leaving the game.
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Head coach Rick Tocchet confirmed that both players were sent back to Vancouver and will miss the remainder of the road trip. Including the win over the Devils, the two Swedes will miss the final four games of the trip.
“They went home today. They’ll be evaluated when we get back, so they won’t be with us for the rest of the trip,” Tocchet said.
Both players had started to turn their seasons around before the injuries. Pettersson has 15 goals and 45 points in 63 games, but has been heating up with four goals and 10 points in his previous eight. Höglander, who has struggled at times this season as well, recorded a goal and eight points in his last nine games before leaving the lineup.
Hughes Stepping Up in Final Stretch
With key players out of the lineup, captain Hughes has stepped up for the Canucks. The defenceman leads the team with 67 points in 57 games—22 more than the next closest player. Over the past month, he’s averaged 27:35 in ice time. In the win over the Devils, Hughes logged 31:38 and praised his teammates’ effort.
“We’re going to try to do everything we can to make the playoffs here and I believe we can but if that doesn’t happen, then what we’re building here for the next couple years, just the care factor, I like what I’m seeing.”
If not for an injury midway through the season, Hughes would likely be the frontrunner for the Norris Trophy for the second year in a row. He’d also be in the Hart Trophy conversation for keeping the Canucks afloat through all the adversity.
