Thatcher Demko has been in net for just one of the Canucks last 16 games. In that time, the Canucks have just four wins. Demko will be in net tonight at home against the Buffalo Sabres after last appearing in a game exactly one month ago.
Demko says he is “feeling good” after doing rehab and has been skating with the team over the last few days. Demko was asked if he had to make any changes in his preparation, to which he responded, “no, it’s pretty standard stuff” and followed it up by saying “we knew exactly what was going on, it was a minor tweak of something” and that “he needed to give it time and get the reps back.”
The goaltender went on to say that it is frustrating after having a great summer of preparation for this season, but that it is part of the game and that he can only control so much, but that he has been working hard and is ready to go.
Canucks Head Coach Adam Foote said that Demko is a “top goalie” and that it is “nice to have him back when he is ready.” Foote also went on to say that he and Demko have discussed the potential upcoming workload for the goaltender. In a corresponding move, goaltender Nikita Tolopilo has been assigned to Abbotsford.