Thatcher Demko's Performance On Canucks Most Recent Six-Game Road Trip An Encouraging Sign For The Future

While the Vancouver Canucks most recent six-game road trip did not go as they had hoped, one massive positive was the play of Thatcher Demko. After missing a month and a half with a lower-body injury, Demko returned to the lineup, posting a 2-1-0 record over his three games. While the sample size is small, Demko's performance is a positive sign, not just for this season but for the future. 

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The statistics from Demko's last three games are a good indicator of just how important he is to this team. According to Natural Stat Trick, Demko had a Goals Saved Above Expected (GSAA) of 1.49 at all strength and stopped 22 of the 27 high-danger shots he faced. As for his best game on the trip, that came against the New York Islanders, where he stopped nine of 11 high-danger shots while also going a perfect 15 for 15 on medium and low-danger shots. 

While the numbers are impressive, the more important detail is that Demko was able to make stretch saves without re-aggravating his injuries. When Demko is at his best, he is able to contort his body in ways few others in the league can, which is why he is considered one of the top goaltenders in the NHL. Ultimately, the fact that Demko was able to make some of these saves and continue playing is a positive sign that some of his injury issues may be behind him. 

As for the future, having a healthy Demko for the start of the 2025-26 season will be key. While Kevin Lankinen has put together an impressive campaign, there is a reason that Demko finished last season as the Vezina runner-up. If Demko can return to his 2023-24 form and stay healthy throughout the season, it will go a long way in helping the Canucks qualify for the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Vancouver continues their quest for a spot in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs on Wednesday when they take on the Seattle Kraken. While the Kraken have been eliminated from playoff contention, this will not be an easy game, as many on Seattle's roster are playing for jobs next season. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 pm PT from Rogers Arena. 

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