Demko shines but gets no goal support as Canucks lose 1-0 to Flames in OT
By Joshua Rey
![Jan 29, 2022; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko (35) guards his net against the Calgary Flames during the third period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports Jan 29, 2022; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko (35) guards his net against the Calgary Flames during the third period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/31e077704f229f326a1d8e418f21ffcad399a7a7f808fbde72d3541c662fd232.jpg)
Well, that was a tough game to watch. The Vancouver Canucks made their second stop on a four-game road trip to Calgary where they took on the Flames. The two rivals met ten times last season as Calgary beat Vancouver seven times in the Scotia North Division.
For some reason, it took until late January for the Canucks and Flames to have their first meeting of the season. These teams will meet two more times and both will be at Rogers Arena. They are on February 24 and March 19.
The game ended up being a pretty dull contest as the Canucks ended up falling 1-0 in overtime. This would be Jose Mourinho’s ideal game if he was a hockey coach.
Pregame notes
Thatcher Demko got the start against the Flames. He came off the COVID -19 protocol on Thursday and joined the team in Calgary.
Tucker Poolman left the game against the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday. His injury is undisclosed. As a result, Noah Juulsen was called up and he suited up against the Flames. Spencer Martin, Ashton Sautner and Justin Bailey were put on the taxi squad.
Bo Horvat came off the COVID protocol as well.
Transactions:
— Canucks PR (@CanucksPR) January 29, 2022
- Bo Horvat has been removed from COVID non-roster status.
- Noah Juulsen has been recalled.
- Ashton Sautner, Spencer Martin and Justin Bailey have been transferred to the Taxi Squad.
“I’ve felt completely fine the whole time,” said Horvat on Saturday morning per Aaron Vickers of Daily Hive. “No symptoms. I’m feeling ready to go. Looking forward to getting back on the ice tonight in that game.”
Before the game, Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman said that Conor Garland was a name that teams were interested in. The teams he mentioned were the Flames, New York Rangers, Boston Bruins, and New Jersey Devils.
According to @FriedgeHNIC, the #Canucks are getting calls from a number of teams about players. Mention Conor Garland might be on the market, while Elias Pettersson and Bo Horvat are not. pic.twitter.com/LNsDb4eQBK
— Lachlan Irvine (@LachInTheCrease) January 30, 2022
J.T. Miller’s name has been brought up in trade rumours over the past week and now Garland. However, I think it is doubtful that Garland will be shipped out.
Here is how the Canucks lined up against the Flames.
Projected #Canucks lines against @NHLFlames
— Brendan Batchelor (@BatchHockey) January 30, 2022
Podkolzin-Miller-Boeser
Pettersson-Horvat-Garland
Motte-Lammikko-Highmore
Höglander-Dickinson-Chiasson
OEL-Myers
Hughes-Schenn
Hunt-Juulsen
🥅#DemkoTime 🥅
7pm on @Sportsnet650 https://t.co/KAgpi2YNib pic.twitter.com/q7BI4d18C6