The Vancouver Canucks might see the return of their primary goaltender sooner than anticipated.
Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reported that Thatcher Demko could potentially start for Vancouver in their Monday game against the New Jersey Devils.
Demko, sidelined since February 8 due to a lower-body injury, participated fully in Sunday`s practice for the first time since the injury.
Kevin Lankinen, who has been a key player for the Canucks this season while Demko has been injured, was reportedly unwell during Saturday`s game against the New York Rangers, according to coach Rick Tocchet.
Vancouver`s other goalie, Arturs Silvos, last played on March 15 against the Chicago Blackhawks.
Demko, 29, has played 17 games this season with a 2.87 goals-against average and a .891 save percentage.
In the 2023-24 season, Demko was a Vezina Trophy finalist, boasting a 35-14-2 record, a .918 save percentage, and a 2.45 GAA.
As of Sunday, Vancouver is five points away from a playoff spot after the St. Louis Blues defeated the Nashville Predators. The Canucks have 12 games left to compete for the final Western Conference wild-card spot.
