Demko Puts On All-Star Caliber Performance In Shutout Win Over The Sabres
Vancouver becomes the first team in the NHL to win 15 road games this season.
Photo by Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports - Demko Puts On All-Star Caliber Performance In Shutout Win Over The SabresThe Vancouver Canucks (29-11-3) picked up their fifth win in a row as they shut out the Buffalo Sabres (18-21-4) 1-0. Thatcher Demko was sensational, stopping all 26 shots he faced as he picked up his fourth shutout of the season. With the victory, the Canucks also extended their perfect record when leading after two periods to 26-0 while becoming the first team to win 15 road games this season.
While Vancouver only scored once, there were positives to take away from the game. The Canucks played well defensively and showed they can still win games when their top players are held off the scoresheet. This was a gutsy effort by Vancouver that showed they can match the physicality of their opposition and grind out wins if necessary.
Here is Demko postgame discussing the team's recent success and tonight's victory:
"I think maybe we didn't have our best through waves of the game, but I think we recognized that pretty early on. We realized that you kind of have to win dirty games sometimes. I'm proud of our group for recognizing that and adjusting on the fly. Sometimes, those games can sneak up on you, and you are kinda looking in the mirror after the game, but we did a great job and got a huge two points."
Facts and Stats
- Postgame, Elias Pettersson, J.T. Miller, Brock Boeser and Thatcher Demko were named to the 2024 NHL All-Star, meaning the Canucks will have six representatives (Quinn Hughes and Rick Tocchet as well) at the game
- Posting career shutout number seven, Thatcher Demko moves past Richard Brodeur, Eddie Lack and Garth Snow into seventh on the franchise's all-time list
- Vancouver records five shutouts in a season for the first time since 2014-15
- The Canucks have gone 22 for 25 on the penalty kill in their last ten games
Scoring Summary
1st Period
No Scoring
2nd Period
VAN: 02:05- Sam Lafferty (10th) from Nikita Zadorov
3rd Period
No Scoring
Canucks Next Opponent
Vancouver is next scheduled to play in Columbus on Monday at 10 AM PT, but that may change due to the weather in Buffalo. The Canucks were scheduled to fly postgame but were unable to and are hopeful they can leave sometime on Sunday. Canuck fans are advised to check the team's social media and website for further updates on Monday's game.
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