Mar 24, 2025; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko (35) tends net during the second period against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/ddb5af84-1c1f-42f7-b224-1f670bc64cf8.jpeg] Mar 24, 2025; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko (35) tends net during the second period against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images 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. Latest From THN’s Vancouver Canucks Site [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vancouver-canucks/]: Top Five At 3(1): The Canucks’ Top Performers In The Second Half Of March [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vancouver-canucks/latest-news/top-five-at-31-the-canucks-top-performers-in-the-second-half-of-march] The Weekly Rewind: Vancouver Canucks Recaps From March 24 to 30 [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vancouver-canucks/latest-news/the-weekly-rewind-vancouver-canucks-recaps-from-march-24-to-30] Vancouver Canucks 2025 Playoff Odds Drop Below 10% After Loss To The Winnipeg Jets [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vancouver-canucks/latest-news/canucks-2025-playoff-odds-drop-below-10-after-loss-to-the-winnipeg-jets] 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 [https://www.naturalstattrick.com/playerteams.php?fromseason=20242025&thruseason=20242025&stype=2&sit=all&score=all&stdoi=g&rate=n&team=VAN&pos=S&loc=B&toi=0&gpfilt=gpteam&fd=&td=&tgp=4&lines=single&draftteam=ALL], 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 [http://thn.com/nyislanders], 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 [http://thn.com/seattle]. 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. Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMwr-DfCA?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA%3Aen] for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum. The Hockey News [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/1e3867b3-c327-4a77-9305-c93b425eb4bf.jpeg] The Hockey News
