Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko has been earning the nickname “Bubble Demko” for his outstanding play in the team’s thrilling run in last year’s playoffs. Now, the 25-year-old goalie is proving that his talent wasn’t just a flash in the pan. In a recent game against the Los Angeles Kings, Demko displayed his brilliance once again, showcasing the kind of skills that could make him a true superstar in the NHL. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Demko’s performance and explore what his continued success could mean for the Canucks this season.
On Saturday night, the Los Angeles Kings relentlessly attacked the Vancouver Canucks’ net, firing seven shots in just 34 seconds during the second shift of the third period. The Canucks’ goalie, Thatcher Demko, was up for the challenge, saving all seven shots, including three point-blank rebounds. Despite the Kings’ strong push, the Canucks managed to tie the game, and ultimately win 3-2 in a shootout. This victory moved the Canucks into a tie with the St. Louis Blues for 24th place in the overall standings, and the ninth-best draft-lottery odds, marking their highest ranking in the standings since Bruce Boudreau was replaced by Rick Tocchet as coach in January.
Demko deserves much of the credit for the team’s success, making 38 saves throughout the game, several of which were critical in the third period. This game marked Demko’s eighth start in nine games since returning from a groin injury that kept him out for nearly three months. He has an impressive 6-2 record with a .927 save percentage, showcasing a level of form that rivals any two weeks he produced last season, when he was one of the top goalies in the NHL.
Though the Canucks were outshot 40-17 and only managed two shots during the middle 35 minutes of regulation time, they managed to emerge victorious from a tight game thanks to Demko’s phenomenal performance. Coach Rick Tocchet emphasized the importance of these games for the team’s growth and ability to solidify their roster positions. Despite draftists and tankists calling for Demko to be replaced by Collin Delia, Demko will likely continue to play, leading the Canucks toward further victories.
As the final buzzer sounded in Vancouver’s victory over the Kings, the stellar performance of Thatcher Demko could not be ignored. With another outstanding game under his belt, the young goalie known as “Bubble Demko” continues to prove his worth to the Canucks and the league at large. His skill, confidence, and determination are truly remarkable, and his future in the NHL appears bright. It’s clear that as long as Demko is between Vancouver’s pipes, anything is possible. We’ll be watching with bated breath to see what he’ll do next.
