Oilers Get Encouraging Thatcher Demko Update

Caleb Kerney

May 19, 2024, 14:22

Caleb Kerney

May 19, 2024, 14:22

Edmonton Oilers know where they stand with the Vancouver Canucks goaltending situation for Game 7.

Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports - Oilers Get Encouraging Thatcher Demko Update

EDMONTON - Goaltending plays a huge role in the NHL playoffs.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhC7txnCvWI[/embed]

As both the Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks can attest to - when you get good goaltending in the playoffs you win more than you lose. This all-Canadian playoff series has featured both good goaltending and poor goaltending.

That makes any goaltender update that much more important for both teams. For the Oilers, you could certainly make a case for both goaltenders.

Calvin Pickard came in for two games to give Stuart Skinner a breather. The Oilers won one of those games - and then didn't show up how they wanted to for the second one.

Skinner came back in for last night's game and looked like himself. I don't believe he needed physical rest - but the mental rest he got from not playing two games has certainly refilled the tank for him.

Heading into Game seven, Rich Tocchet put to bed any rumors about a potential Thatcher Demko return for Game seven, during his post game comments last night.

"No, Demko's not going to play Game 7."

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVKuy9dbj_U[/embed]

As far as the Canucks are concerned - this makes a lot of sense. Demko hasn't played a game since early in the Nashville Predators series, and they still have Casey DeSmith to go to if Arturs Silovs shows any sign of not being up to the task.

At any rate - Oilers fans can rest easy knowing that there will be no surprise starters for the Canucks come Game seven.

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