The Vancouver Canucks might see the return of their main goalie sooner than anticipated.
Sportsnet`s Elliotte Friedman reported that Thatcher Demko could potentially be in net for Vancouver`s Monday game against the New Jersey Devils.
Demko has been sidelined since February 8th due to a lower-body injury. He participated in a full practice on Sunday, marking his first full practice since the injury.
Kevin Lankinen, who has been crucial for the Canucks this season while Demko was injured, was reportedly unwell during Saturday`s game against the New York Rangers, according to coach Rick Tocchet.
Vancouver`s other goalie, Arturs Silvos, last played on March 15th against the Chicago Blackhawks.
Demko, 29, has played 17 games this season with a 2.87 goals-against average and a .891 save percentage.
In the 2023-24 season, Demko was a Vezina Trophy finalist, boasting a 35-14-2 record, a .918 save percentage, and a 2.45 GAA.
As of Sunday, Vancouver is five points away from a playoff spot after the St. Louis Blues defeated the Nashville Predators. The Canucks have 12 games left to secure the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference.
