HC Rick Tocchet makes his feelings known about Vancouver Canucks backup goalie's performance after Thatcher Demko exit in scrappy S/O win over Kraken

Coach Rick Tocchet shared his thoughts on the performance of the Vancouver Canucks backup goalie following a scrappy 4-3 shootout win over the Seattle Kraken on Thursday.

The game took a turn when regular goalie Thatcher Demko left in the second period due to injury. The incident unfolded during a confrontation in front of the net involving Noah Juulsen and Brandon Tanev.

As Juulsen charged at Tanev, he inadvertently collided with Demko, causing the goalie to fall and eventually exit the game. Tocchet provided an update on the goalie, indicating that he doesn't believe that the injury is serious.

Thatcher Demko was replaced by Kevin Lankinen in the net, who finished the game with 13 saves and a .867 SV%. Tocchet praised Lankinen for his performance.

"I mean, you know, it's been like that all year, you know, tough spot now, warmed up, comes in and make two or three big saves. I mean, you know, gotta love the kid," he said.

Rick Tocchet reflected on the team's performance, acknowledging some disappointment after the Kraken tied the game in the third period. However, he was impressed by the resilience shown by his players.

"Obviously disappointed, they tied up. But the guys didn't, you know, the guys stuck together. Then we got the two points. I thought that D really was scrappy tonight, you know, I got thought Hoglander played well for us, with Sasson in line, obviously (Garland) with a big goal. I mean, there's a lot of good efforts from a lot of guys," he added.

With a point, the Vancouver Canucks improved to 18-11-8 to move to fourth in the Pacific Division. They host the Nashville Predators at Rogers Arena on Saturday.

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How the Vancouver Canucks downed the Seattle Kraken

On Thursday, the Seattle Kraken hosted the Vancouver Canucks at Climate Pledge Arena.

Chandler Stephenson opened the scoring for the Kraken 1:52 into the first period. The Canucks equalized at 13:17 through Max Sasson before heading into the second period.

Conor Garland put the Canucks ahead 2-1 at 7:49 into the second period, which remained the only goal scored in that period. In the final period, the Canucks extended their lead to 3-1 with a goal from J.T. Miller.

However, the two-goal cushion quickly evaporated as the Kraken rallied. Matty Beniers scored on the power play before Vince Dunn tied the game at 3-3 with a goal at 19:07, forcing overtime.

After a scoreless overtime period, Miller eventually secured a 4-3 victory for the Vancouver Canucks in the shootout.