The worst is confirmed for Thatcher Demko and the Canucks

Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko returned to action from an extended injury absense for the final games of the regular season. He backstopped the Canucks to a 4-2 victory in the opening game of their first round playoff series against the Nashville Predators, stopping 20 of 22 shots.

As the team gears up for Game 2 in Vancouver on Tuesday night, Frank Seravalli has reported that Demko will be ruled out for the series' second game. He notably did not take the ice on Monday, instead receiving treatment following Game 1. Furthermore, he was also absent from the team's morning skate ahead of the series' second game.


Demko, 28, posted a stellar record of 35-14-2 during the regular season in addition to five shutouts. He recorded a 2.45 goals against average to go along with a .918 save percentage. Virtually all of these marks (wins, shutouts, GAA, SV%) were career-bests for the San Diego native.


Casey DeSmith and Arturs Silovs are the Canucks' other two rostered netminders. One will take Demko's place for Game 2.

We will know more about Demko's status for the series in the near future, meanwhile Game 2 will play on with a start time of 7PM Pacific Time at Rogers Arena in Vancouver.