Out for Canucks’ Playoffs? Latest Thatcher Demko Injury Update

Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko missed Game 2 of the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs against the Nashville Predators, and though Demko traveled with the team to Nashville for Game 3, he reportedly could miss the rest of the postseason.

According to EPRinkside’s Sara Civian, Demko could be out for the rest of the Canucks’ postseason run.

I'm hearing that Thatcher Demko is done for the rest of the playoffs

— Sara Civ (@SaraCivian) April 26, 2024

Though Civian’s report conflicts with several other reports in Canucks circles, it would be unlike her to say something like this unless given good reason to do so.

For instance, longtime Canucks insider Rick Dhaliwal shared on his “Donnie and Dhali” podcast earlier on Thursday that the Canucks’ All-Star goalie was a possibility to play for Vancouver at some point in the second round.

That, of course, would require the Canucks to advance past the Predators in Round 1 before that becomes a possibility. With backup goalie Casey DeSmith replacing Demko for Game 2 against Nashville, the Canucks stumbled to a 4-1 loss. DeSmith allowed three goals on just 15 shots in that contest.

"If they get to round 2 Don, some feel he can play late in round 2.."@DhaliwalSports with the latest on Thatcher Demko's health and possible timeline to return earlier.https://t.co/h4e2SKM7eJ pic.twitter.com/tNuZYT8LZJ

— Donnie & Dhali (@DonnieandDhali) April 25, 2024

Demko, on the other hand, was victorious against the Predators in Game 1 and has generally been lights out in the postseason for his entire career, albeit in a very small sample size.

Across five career playoff appearances, the 28-year-old is 3-1-0 with a .974 save percentage and one shutout.

Civian’s report has more credence if we cross-examine it with Dhaliwal’s report. If Demko is not a lock, and only a possibility, to return late in the second round, that would also mean that he is not likely to return for the start of the third round, either. Only a few days will separate those rounds unless other teams go the full seven games.

From there, Demko’s ability to play for the Canucks in the Stanley Cup finals, if they make it without him, would be up in the air. Things are not going well for the Canucks or Demko at the moment.

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