The Vancouver Canucks moved into a three-way tie for a playoff spot with last night’s win over the defending Stanley Cup Champions. Here’s what I noticed from last night’s game.
Demko’s second start (and win) of the season
Much has been made of Thatcher Demko‘s development up to this point in his career. Right from the day he was selected 36th overall in the second round of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, Demko has been tabbed the goalie of the future by Canucks fans.
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After spending two seasons with the Utica Comets, Demko is finally up with the big club and ready to be the backup for his first full season playing behind Jacob Markstrom. Markstrom is currently on a personal leave of absence, which has meant the Canucks have been forced to turn to Demko to lead them to their last two victories.
Demko has been up to the challenge early on, and tonight in particular, stood on his head against one of the best teams in the NHL and the defending Stanley Cup Champions — in their arena.
Demko made 34 saves in last night’s victory, and came up big when it was crunch time for the Canucks. Demko didn’t allow a single puck past him in what was a marathon of a shootout. It was another solid performance for Demko, who may be asked to go for a third straight game this Saturday, in New Jersey.
Dangerous in OT
It’s becoming clear, the Canucks are a team that you don’t want to be tied up with after 60 minutes of play if you’re the opposition. Quinn Hughes, Elias Pettersson, Brock Boeser, and Bo Horvat are dangerous players who are regularly on the ice during 3-on-3 overtime for the Canucks.
The Canucks have controlled the play during 3-on-3 play, and have locked down two shootout victories. Last night’s win was largely thanks to the performance of Demko, but one thing is certain, the Canucks are a dangerous team in overtime.