NHL Insider Hints to Stanley Cup Contender Getting Former All-Star Back From Injury
Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reveals that a playoff contender may be getting back a two-time All-Star back from injury
The Stanley Cup Playoff picture is starting to take form with all teams on the outside looking in, trying to do whatever they can to win when it matters.
One team that may get a boost of confidence and momentum into the lineup is the Vancouver Canucks, who Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported is getting back goaltender Thatcher Demko ahead of their matchup Monday with the New Jersey Devils.
Friedman explained that Canucks starter Kevin Lankinen wasn't feeling well during their matchup versus the New York Rangers on Saturday and could present a great opportunity for Demko to make his return.
The two-time All-Star has been sidelined since early February and has seen multiple injury stints throughout recent years. This season, Demko has a decent 6-6-3 record with a 2.87 goals against average but may struggle coming back from injury especially in a matchup versus a hungry Devils team, that has dropped three of their last four games.
Over their last four matchups, New Jersey has pierced Demko for 17 goals and presents a solid case to take the over in this one. The American netminder will need to bring his best as the Canucks are in a razer-thin playoff race as they sit five points behind the St. Louis Blues, who occupy the second wild card spot in the West.
With in mind, we can expect a valiant performance from Vancouver in this one that may not be enough to earn the win but should help get this game to at least the over as the Devils have conceded 16 goals over their last four games.