1. Thatcher Demko
It’s officially Thatcher Demko’s crease to lose.
The 25-year-old netminder suited up for three of the four games this week, and he was easily the team’s best player in all three contests. He stopped 95 of 98 shots faced, including a 27-save performance against the Jets for his first-ever career shutout.
What’s been most impressive about Demko’s play thus far is his ability to produce big saves when the team needs it most. It’s no surprise that the Canucks are still unable to compete for the full 60 minutes every night, and their glaring defensive struggles rear its ugly head at least once a period (and that’s being generous), but Demko has been up to the task.
Take the third period against the Jets on Monday night.
The Canucks entered the final frame with a three-goal cushion, which, for most teams, would be a comfortable and commanding lead. Of course, we know first-hand that the Canucks are not like other clubs in the league, and you’d be lying if the thought of the Canucks giving up four unanswered goals didn’t cross your mind.
Luckily the unthinkable didn’t happen, but, had it not been for Demko, Winnipeg might’ve actually come away with the two points, and Vancouver fans would’ve undoubtedly checked into group therapy.
During the final 20 minutes of that tilt, Demko was peppered with 15 shots, including this grade-A chance from sniper Kyle Connor.
Jets pull the goalie and get a couple chances but the post, Benn and Demko combine to keep the puck out #Canucks pic.twitter.com/vsQ6m5Wf5J
— Sportsnet 650 (@Sportsnet650) March 2, 2021
Winnipeg’s forward group applied relentless amounts of pressure for the bulk of that period, and Demko, yet again, was able to show glimpses of his heroic bubble performance from August. The same could be said during the two-game set against Toronto.
Demko has started 17 of the team’s 28 games so far, and his goals saved above average (GSAA) ranks 14th in the league for goalies who have played in at least 500 minutes at all strengths, according to Natural Stat Trick. So far, he has posted a .913 save percentage, which is higher than veteran netminders such as Tuukka Rask, Frederick Andersen, and yes, even Jacob Markstrom.
As we hit the halfway mark of the season, head coach Travis Green should realize that he’s no longer working with a 1A/1B tandem. Holtby has been well below-average, particularly in his last few starts, and his .893 SV and 3.56 GAA is reflective of that. If the coaches, management and ownership continue to ride the false hope that this organization can make a splash in the playoffs this year, they’ll need to put all of their faith in the consistent services of Demko between the pipes.