Thatcher Demko injury: HC Rick Tocchet Insider shares optimism around Canucks star's return

Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet recently provided an update on star goaltender Thatcher Demko's injury status, indicating cautious optimism about his return. NHL insider Brendan Batchelor tweeted Tocchet's comments, noting that it would be a stretch for Demko to play this weekend.

"Rick Tocchet says "that would be a stretch" when asked if Demko could play this weekend. #Canucks @Sportsnet650"

Thatcher Demko, initially considered week-to-week, has been sidelined since Game 1 of the first-round series against the Nashville Predators on April 21. In that game, Demko stopped 20 of 22 shots, securing a 4-2 victory for the Canucks. Unfortunately, a knee issue, which had previously kept him out from March 13 to April 13, has continued to hamper his participation.

Since Thatcher Demko's absence, the goaltending duties have been shared between Casey DeSmith and Arturs Silovs. Silovs, the 23-year-old goaltender, has particularly stepped up, making his eighth consecutive start in Game 5 of the second-round series against the Edmonton Oilers. Silovs' performance has been impressive so far in the playoffs.

The Canucks clinched a 3-2 victory in their recent game to take a 3-2 series lead in the best-of-seven series, and Silovs played a big part in the win. Noyably, Silovs has only played four regular season games but still managed to start in eight playoff games and even won five of them.

Despite the challenges, the Canucks have adapted well without their star goaltender, Thatcher Demko.

Vancouver Canucks secured a 3-2 lead without Thatcher Demko in the lineup

The Vancouver Canucks secured a 3-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 5 and now they are only one win away from the Western Conference Final. Carson Soucy and Phillip Di Giuseppe scored for Vancouver, but it was J.T. Miller who scored the game-winner with 33 seconds left on the clock. Rookie goalie Arturs Silovs made 21 saves for the Canucks.

Miller's game-winning goal came after a shot from Pius Suter, which got deflected off Elias Pettersson and proceeded to hit the post. Evander Kane and Mattias Janmark scored for Edmonton, with Calvin Pickard making 32 saves.

Soucy, returning from suspension, tied the game at one before Janmark quickly restored Edmonton's lead. Di Giuseppe tied it again in the second period.

Despite Edmonton's strong start and numerous chances, including five power plays, they missed those chances. Vancouver coach Rick Tocchet praised his team's resilience and performance.

“Almost every single guy gave us everything they had,” Tocchet said. “Resilient. I thought the guys were terrific tonight. They really came to play. It thought it was obviously one of our best games in the playoffs.”

The Canucks will try to clinch the series in Game 6 on Saturday in Edmonton. Thatcher Demko's place is perfectly occupied by Silovs for now.