Canucks News: Demko Mystery Deepens, Goalie Was In Tears

The Thatcher Demko saga is turning more mysterious by the day. As the Vancouver Canucks No. 1 goaltender is now out on a week-to-week basis, reports are that he was in tears upon learning how long he could be out, and had to be consoled by head coach Rick Tocchet.

Seravalli: It took a conversation with a resolute Rick Tocchet to calm down Demko, who was in tears, and provide proper perspective. Tocchet’s message was simple: “Your season isn’t over. We’re going to need you, because we’re still going to be playing when you’re ready again.”…

— BuckFoston (@BuckFoston_) April 27, 2024

According to insider Frank Seravalli, Tocchet told Demko, “Your season isn’t over. We’re going to need you, because we’re still going to be playing when you’re ready again." 

Of course, the rest of the Canucks need to back up his coach's words, and they did so in Nashville on Friday night, beating the Predators 2-1 to take a 2-1 series lead.

Seravalli writes that it's a "fluke" knee injury suffered in the final minute of Game 1, but that rest is the only prescription and that surgery isn't an option.

The rumors making the rounds are that Demko could be out until the Conference Finals, but it sounds like, according to insider Elliotte Friedman, the Canucks really don't have any idea when he'll recover from the "unique" injury. 

.@FriedgeHNIC provides the latest on Demko's injury. pic.twitter.com/pGrESKyIfH

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 27, 2024

Friedman says the Canucks are "hoping it's not as bad as they thought," but "they really don't know what the timeframe is right now."

For now, Casey DeSmith will have to hold down the fort, and thus far he's been doing so, with a .911 save percentage and a 2.02 goals-against average through his two games played. 

Photo: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports