Disaster for Canucks as Thatcher Demko out indefinitely with injury

According to an update from coach Rick Tocchet at practice today, it isn't the same injury that Demko suffered from down the stretch of the season that caused him to miss a few weeks. Demko will be assessed today, but the news doesn't appear to be positive.

Thatcher Demko has been one of the league's most elite goaltenders this season, and has been a massive part in the Canucks finding their way back to the playoffs. In 51 games this season, Demko won 35 games while recording a .918 save percentage and 2.45 GAA. Demko's elite goaltending has been able to mask some defensive flaws still evident in the team, and his injury could potentially expose them against Nashville.

It's expected that backup goalie Casey DeSmith will get the start tonight in Demko's absence, and he'll be backed up by the Canucks third string goalie, Arturs Silovs. Any other injury to the Canucks goaltending now could prove to be simply too much to overcome in the playoffs - missing Demko will already be a challenge enough.