Canucks: 2 takeaways from 4-1 win over the Edmonton Oilers

Thatcher Demko, we are not worthy

Thatcher Demko is ready to be a bonafide #1 goalie in this league, and he’s taking every opportunity to prove it.

The 25-year-old netminder, who inked a five-year, $25 million contract extension earlier this year, has easily been the team’s MVP, and he continues to put them on his back on a nightly basis.

Despite the Canucks actually outshooting the Oilers by a margin of 41-32, the Canucks still gave up quite a few high-danger scoring chances, keeping Demko quite busy throughout the evening as a result.

And it started right off the bat.

The Canucks were awarded a powerplay opportunity less than a minute into the game, but that didn’t stop them from exposing their netminder once again. Demko was forced to make two big saves while short-handed, including a breakaway opportunity from Leon Draisaitl.

He was peppered with eight more shots during the opening frame, but was still able to help the Canucks enter the intermission only down by one goal.

The second period had its moments for the Canucks, who were able to tie the game up within the first two minutes, thanks to a shorthanded tap-in from Bo Horvat.

But once again, the Oilers were the better team overall in the middle frame, forcing Demko to make key saves while the team in front of him panicked and scrambled. He looked calm and composed for much of the game, and his fundamentals are top-notch.

Plus, we’ll take robberies like this every day of the week.

https://twitter.com/harmandayal2/status/1393671979123630084?s=20

Fortunately (or unfortunately for the #teamtank supporters), the Canucks were able to make a big push in the third period, scoring three more goals to secure the victory.

But, once again, had it not been for Demko’s heroics in the first 40 minutes, the outcome would’ve been much, much worse on the scoresheet.

Other notes:

• Travis Boyd found the back of the net, notching his second goal in five games. Jimmy Vesey picked up the only assist.
• Despite last night’s win, the Canucks stayed dead last in the Scotia North Division, and 28th in the league standings. They are currently two points up on the New Jersey Devils, who wrapped up their season earlier this week. The Canucks, of course, still have three more games remaining on their schedule, and, depending on the outcome of those contests, could finish as high as 22nd.

The Canucks are right back at it on Sunday night, returning home to square off against Jacob Markstrom, Chris Tanev and the Calgary Flames. Puck drop is at 7:30pm PST.

What were your thoughts on the team’s 4-1 victory over the Oilers? Make sure to drop a comment below!