Even if Demko is ready, the Canucks should consider resting him for Saturday night's game against the Oilers.
Even if Demko is ready, the Canucks should consider resting him for Saturday night's game against the Oilers.
With only three games left in the regular season, most of the conversation surrounding the Vancouver Canucks has been about goaltender Thatcher Demko. The Canucks starter has missed the last month with a knee injury and is set to return to the lineup either Saturday against the Edmonton Oilers or Tuesday against the Calgary Flames. While there may be a temptation to play him against the Oilers, Vancouver should consider giving him an extra game and sticking to the original plan, which was for him to return against the Flames.
Demko was injured on March 9 against the Winnipeg Jets and has missed the last 13 games. While it is clear the Canucks have missed him, as the club has gone 6-5-2 during that span, ensuring he is fully healthy for the playoffs has to be priority number one. While both Demko and the team may want him to start against Edmonton, giving him a few extra days off and more practice time could be what's best for the team moving forward.
The decision to sit Demko against the Oilers is not an easy one, as Vancouver can all but lock up the Pacific Division title with a win on Saturday. Winning the division title is important as not only would it be the first time in franchise history the Canucks clinched the Pacific Division crown, but it would ensure they have home ice for at least the first two rounds. Winning the division could also mean avoiding either the L.A. Kings or Vegas Golden Knights in the first round, which, judging by how the season has gone so far, would not be a bad thing.
Overall, while bringing Demko back earlier than expected could help Vancouver in their game against Edmonton, there is a level of risk the Canucks needs to consider. As mentioned, winning the Pacific Division is a significant accomplishment, but Demko potentially re-aggravating his injury would be devastating for Vancouver and their aim at a long playoff run. It won't be an easy decision for Rick Tocchet and Director of Goaltending Ian Clark to make, but it may be best for him to get some extra rest and return to the lineup against Calgary on Tuesday.
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