NHL Insider Hints The Vancouver Canucks Just Made A Serious Mistake with Goaltender Thatcher Demko
As the Vancouver Canucks gear up to play the New Jersey Devils tonight in their 2nd of 6 game road trip, NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman says the Canucks are making a big mistake with their star goalie Thatcher Demko.
Since being out with an undisclosed lower body injury since February 8th and officially being placed on long-term injured reserve on the 23rd, it was reported that Demko is getting close to returning after participating in his first full practice with the Canucks on Sunday.
Demko in full practice today. Lankinen had flu-like symptoms Saturday
Elliotte Friedman hints at potential major mistake being made by the Vancouver Canucks
Elliotte Friedman spoke about what he is hearing about Demko's status for tonight's away game in New Jersey, claiming that due to Kevin Lankinen ailment and lack of stellar play, Demko is most likely returning tonight even though he is not 100% healthy.
Elliotte had a couple hits today and said Demko can see the team needs him so he's going in.
Mentioned he doesn't know if Demko is at 80, 90 or 100% but he knows the team needs him.
Mentioned he doesn't know if Demko is at 80, 90 or 100% but he knows the team needs him.
This statement was further reinforced by Canucks insider Rick Dhaliwal of the Donnie & Dhali show on Sportsnet that the plan is to start Demko.
"The way it was described to me is the plan is for Demko to play tonight.."
Obviously everyone understands the magnitude each game holds coming down the stretch, as the Canucks are currently sitting 6 games back from the final wild card spot in the West.
But, Having Demko return before he is 100% healthy is a massive mistake, even though they need him, he is coming off a major injury from last years playoff run and has spent the majority of this season also on the IR.
Having him come in even slightly hurt does not help the Canucks, if anything it increases his chances of not coign back at all if he tweaks something tonight for the Devils.
Previously on Vancouver Hockey Daily
| POLL | ||
MARS 24 | 546 ANSWERS NHL Insider Hints The Vancouver Canucks Just Made A Serious Mistake with Goaltender Thatcher Demko Do you think the Vancouver Canucks are making a mistake starting Thatcher Demko vs the New Jersey Devils? | ||
| Yes | 164 | 30 % |
| No | 382 | 70 % |
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