Thatcher Demko, the Vancouver Canucks’ starting goaltender, will miss Game 2 of their opening-round series against the due to injury. His status for the rest of the series is uncertain.
Demko played well in Game 1, making 20 saves on 22 shots, but he left the game with an injury and did not practice on Monday. The Canucks did not disclose the nature of the injury, but it is believed to be a lower-body ailment.
Spencer Martin and Collin Delia will be the Canucks’ options in goal with Demko out. Martin has played in three games this season, posting a 2-1-0 record with a 2.67 goals-against-average and a .914 save percentage. Delia has played in one game this season, allowing three goals on 27 shots in a 3-2 overtime loss to the Boston Bruins.
Demko has been one of the Canucks’ most important players this season, posting a 35-14-2 record with a 2.45 goals-against-average and a .918 save percentage. He is a finalist for the Vezina Trophy, which is awarded to the league’s top goaltender.
The Canucks will need Martin or Delia to step up and play well in Demko’s absence. Game 2 is scheduled for Tuesday night in Vancouver.
