Thatcher Demko Named NHL’s Second Star of the Week

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Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko has been named the NHL’s Second Star of the Week for the first week of February. The Canucks’ backstop played a key role in victories over the Maple Leafs, Sharks, and Avalanche, posting stellar numbers: one shutout, a 0.46 goals-against average, and a .985 save percentage. Brandon Hagel (TBL) earned First Star honors, while Matthew Tkachuk (FLA) was awarded the Third Star.

While this is an exciting achievement for Demko, Canucks fans find themselves in a state of uncertainty after the star goaltender left Saturday’s game against the Leafs midway through the first period with what appeared to be a lower-body injury. So far, the only concrete update has come from head coach Rick Tocchet, who stated, “I don’t think it’s that serious – I don’t know – from early reports. It’s not the knee, so we don’t have to have you guys speculate. I don’t know, I don’t think it’s that serious, but we’ll see.”

If the injury turns out to be significant, the timing couldn’t be worse. Demko was just beginning to show flashes of his Vezina-caliber form- something both fans and teammates became accustomed to seeing last season- reflected in his Second Star recognition. After returning from a nagging knee injury that sidelined him at the end of the 2024 season, Demko struggled in his first 14 games, posting an .873 save percentage and a 4-6-3 record as the starter.

Demko’s strong start to February coincided with the Canucks’ latest resurgence, as they ride a three-game win streak and a four-game point streak- an impressive feat considering captain Quinn Hughes has been sidelined for the entire stretch with an oblique injury. New additions Filip Chytil, Drew O’Connor, and Marcus Pettersson have provided some previously-lacking speed and stability to the core of the lineup, while rookie Elias Pettersson has surged as an up-and-coming lockdown defender with surprising offensive upside. So far, the results of the J.T. Miller trade have looked solid for the Canucks

Vancouver currently holds a three-point lead over the Calgary Flames for the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference. With less than 30 games remaining, Demko’s return- particularly to this level of play- could be crucial in solidifying a postseason berth for the Canucks. As the league heads into the 4Nations Tournament, the Canucks will get a needed two-week break before their next game against Vegas on February 22nd- precious time both Hughes and Demko can use to get their bodies right before Vancouver makes their final playoff push.

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