Vancouver Canucks Head Coach Rick Tocchet Explains Why He Didn't Want to Start Thatcher Demko
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Photo credit: Canucks Daily
As the Vancouver Canucks took on the Tampa Bay Lighting today, there was a lot of speculation that Thatcher Demko would be getting his first start, but head coach Rick Tocchet disclosed today why he didn't want to start the All-Star goalie.
It has been a long road for Demko ever since he went down with a knee injury in last years playoffs against the Nashville Predators.
Reports suggested that the injury he was having issues with was related to his Popliteus, a triangle-shaped muscle located on the back of the knee.
Rick Tocchet Gives reason to not start Vancouver Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko
A lot of reports suggested that Demko could be possibly making his first start in nearly 8 months against the Tampa Bay Lighting, especially after he suited up to back-up Kevin Lankinen when they faced of against the Blue Jackets on Friday.
Head Coach Rick Tocchet gave his reasoning for why he did not want to start Demko today.
An early start time throws off all sorts of routines for a professional hockey player and the Canucks probably want Demko's return to the lineup to be as routine as possible.
As the Canucks played a 4 PM matinee game today against the Lightning, Tocchet felt that due to the early nature of the start, Demko would not be able to go through his regular routine and get morning skate in.
Tocchet on matinee messing up Demko's normal prep: "Maybe a little. You like to get the guy in his morning routine with a skate like a 7 p.m. game, so that might have been a little bit of a factor." - Rick Tocchet
According to his comments, he is electing to give Demko a normal 7 PM start, and fortunately for the Canucks, their still is no pressure for him to make his first start as Kevin Lankinen has been rock solid all season long.
There is a very good chance that Demko gets his first start on Tuesday when they face-off against the St. Louis Blues.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 8 | 317 ANSWERS Vancouver Canucks Head Coach Rick Tocchet Explains Why He Didn't Want to Start Thatcher Demko Do you agree with head coach Rick Tocchet's decision not to start Thatcher Demko today against the Tampa Bay Lightning? | ||
| Yes | 279 | 88 % |
| No | 38 | 12 % |
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