Vancouver Canucks to receive key reinforcement's sooner rather than Later
Photo credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
The Vancouver Canucks have had their fair share of injury trouble this season including their number one goaltender Thatcher Demko and their number one center Elias Pettersson, head coach Adam Foote has given an update on their statuses.
When asked if Kevin Lankinen would be playing on Thursday against the Buffalo Sabres, Foote actually answered that Demko would be probably be starting.
"Demko missed the team's back-to-back earlier this month against the Columbus Blue Jackets and Colorado Avalanche for maintenance reasons, according to the team, however upon his return to the crease on November 11th, he managed to play just one period before leaving the game with a suspected lower-body injury."-Jaxon
Thatcher Demko expected to start Thursday, no timeline for Elias Petterson yet.
Trevor Beggs of the Daily Hive reported on the long awaited return of Demko, while it's not confirmed he is starting Thursday against the Sabres, Foote made it clear that it's what's expected.
"After the loss on Monday night, Foote was asked if Nikita Tolopilo would start for the Canucks in their next game, which is on Thursday night against the Buffalo Sabres. Tolopilo subbed in for Kevin Lankinen on Monday night after the Finnish netminder allowed three goals on 13 shots. «Well Demko will be going Thursday, probably,» Foote said. «Demko will probably be back for us.»-Beggs
The Canucks are in need of his return as Kevin Lankinen has been sub par this season. While yes his team is not good enough to help him, goaltending is usually the one thing that can hide a bad team. Lankinen hasn't been able to do that, and Demko can.
"ankinen hasn't been able to repeat his heroics from last season with Demko missing in action. In 2024-25, he almost single-handedly kept the Canucks in the playoff race, with an 11-3-2 record and a .909 save percentage over his first 16 games.nAfter 16 games this season, Lankinen is 4-9-3 with a .881 save percentage."-Beggs
As for Pettersson, Foote said he is starting to feel better, but there is no timeline for his return. There is little hope for Canucks fans this season, but at least they can enjoy some good goaltending soon with Demko returning.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 9 | 951 ANSWERS Vancouver Canucks to receive key reinforcement's sooner rather than Later Will the Vancouver Canucks' record improve with Thatcher Demko's return? | ||
| Yes | 531 | 55.8 % |
| No | 420 | 44.2 % |
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