We’ve seen this movie before and it received critical acclaim.

Thatcher Demko returns from a lengthy injury rehab, finds himself immersed in a shooting gallery, looks like a Vezina Trophy candidate, and backstops an unlikely victory.

On Feb. 27, 2023 in Dallas, the Vancouver Canucks starting goaltender put on a show after missing 35 games with a groin strain to backstop a wild 5-4 overtime win over the Stars with 34 saves. It was a testament to Demko’s resolve to raise the bar in a position that invites injury.

On Dec. 16, 2024, in his third start after an arduous popliteus knee muscle recovery, he had 30 saves to frustrate the Colorado Avalanche in a 3-1 home-ice triumph. However, Demko then suffered a freak knee injury Feb. 8 and missed 15 games.

We revisit this because it plays i

See Full Page