NEWARK, N.J. – Thatcher Demko explains that the injuries he faced this season are connected to his major knee injury from last summer only in terms of preparation.
Dealing with a torn knee muscle throughout the off-season, an unusual injury for an NHL goalie, prevented Demko from proper training to prepare for this season.
Consequently, he has struggled to stay healthy.
Demko, who was a Vezina Trophy finalist last year, practiced fully with the Vancouver Canucks on Sunday for the first time since his lower-body injury on Feb. 8. Including an earlier undisclosed injury in January, Demko has played only 17 games and missed 18 since his return on Dec. 10 from the knee issue.
“It’s been a difficult year,” Demko admitted after practice. “I think I was improving before the break. However, I began to feel the effects of not having a proper summer training. Due to my knee rehab, the solution wasn`t gradual. It was more like doing something one day, and being ready to play the next. I missed building up strength and getting the reps usually gained in the summer.”
“We were searching for solutions, trying different approaches. Eventually, we found something that worked almost instantly, allowing me to play again. However, I wasn’t well-prepared for this season, and I`ve been feeling the consequences. But I`ve gained significant knowledge and experience, both physically and mentally, which will be valuable throughout my career. So, I am grateful for these lessons, even though it has been frustrating.”
The Canucks have faced numerous challenges this season, starting with Demko`s injury saga last summer. The latest setbacks include injuries to Elias Pettersson and Nils Hoglander on Saturday.
“The knee issue was traumatic for my entire body,” Demko continued. “It was a major injury with uncertainty, and I felt rushed to return. Now, I feel good and strong. I am eager to have a full, uninterrupted summer to properly prepare.”
As Demko prepares for his third injury return in just over three months, the Canucks are three points away from a playoff spot with 12 games remaining.
Saturday`s loss in New York, despite outshooting the Rangers 39-12, felt like a blow to their playoff hopes. Injuries to Pettersson and Hoglander further dampened team morale.
Coach Rick Tocchet mentioned Sunday that the injured forwards were “sore” but might still play on Monday against the New Jersey Devils. A minor-league center, Aatu Raty, is on standby if needed.
Demko could also offer support. He might be ready to back up Kevin Lankinen on Monday. With another practice scheduled for Tuesday, Demko might start against the New York Islanders.
However, it might be too late for the Canucks` playoff aspirations.
“It’s been a tough year personally and for the team at times,” Demko said. “But we’ve shown resilience. We are still close to a playoff spot. I’m proud of the team and hope to contribute and help them when I return.”
“As a team member, I want to contribute, especially in important games. It’s part of being a teammate. It’s hard to watch the team lose, and I want to be out there with them, win or lose, together.”
Demko, drafted in 2014, is the longest-tenured Canucks player. He has played all 236 of his NHL games with Vancouver and has one year left on his contract.
The goaltending situation shifted when Lankinen, who has performed strongly, signed a five-year extension on Feb. 21.
Tristan Blackwood