We haven’t been monitoring the injury status of Thatcher Demko forever, it only feels that way. But at long last, it finally feels like the Vancouver Canucks’ All-Star goalie is making real progress.
Today, for the first time in six months, we got to see Demko make a save with our own eyes.
It’s been a while since we’ve seen Demko make a save 🥅
🎥: @CanucksInsider pic.twitter.com/pl9er6d9tY
— Rob Williams (@RobTheHockeyGuy) November 6, 2024
Demko joined his Canucks teammates on the ice in Los Angeles, with in-house Canucks account @CanucksInsider catching it. He was on the ice for morning skate yesterday too, but we didn’t have visuals.
Thatcher Demko taking part in some drills at practice today in Los Angeles. pic.twitter.com/JWmP85w4DF
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) November 6, 2024
Demko out on the ice to start practice this morning here in LA #Canucks pic.twitter.com/QFM4J6yRsx
— Canucks Insider (@CanucksInsider) November 6, 2024
Sportsnet’s Dan Murphy also caught footage of Demko working with Canucks goaltending coach Marko Torenius. In addition to being on the ice prior to practice, Murphy said that Demko did a “solo workout” during practice.
“He’s taken more shots… tougher shots,” head coach Rick Tocchet told reporters after practice. “It’s part of the plan and we’re just going to stick with it.”
Demko on ice in LA with team, but going through a solo workout. He was on ice prior to practice too. No Forbort or Joshua. #canucks pic.twitter.com/G5jDC4iNU5
— Dan Murphy (@sportsnetmurph) November 6, 2024
While this doesn’t signal an imminent return, it’s clearly good news that Demko is not only with his teammates on the road, but also joining them at practice.
Thanks to the play of Kevin Lankinen, there’s no pressure to rush Demko back right now. Lankinen has the NHL’s best goals-against average (2.09) and fifth-best save percentage (.923) among goalies with at least five games played.
Lankinen has also yet to lose a game in regulation, posting a 6-0-2 record. The 29-year-old Finn is the only goalie in the league that can say that, among the 21 netminders with at least eight starts.
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) November 6, 2024
The Canucks will look to complete a perfect California road trip tomorrow in Los Angeles before returning home for a playoff rematch against the Edmonton Oilers.