Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko is at the center of discussions as the team prepares for the 2024-25 season, with his health potentially determining the team’s success. After dealing with injury troubles late in the previous season, Demko’s status has become a critical concern for the Canucks, especially after a strong campaign where he was among the NHL’s top netminders.
Demko’s injury re-emerged at a crucial moment, affecting the Canucks during the NHL Playoffs. If healthy, many believe Demko could have made the difference in Vancouver’s series against the Edmonton Oilers, potentially leading them to the Conference Finals. While it’s speculation, Demko’s elite performance last season makes it a reasonable assumption. He finished second in Vezina Trophy voting and earned Second-Team All-Star honors, highlighting his value to the team.
In the 2023-24 season, Demko recorded five shutouts, posted a 2.45 goals-against average (GAA), and a stellar .918 save percentage. His quality start percentage of .647 across 51 games was among the league’s best. However, his lingering injury concerns heading into the new season suggest the Canucks must have a contingency plan in place to avoid jeopardizing their momentum from last season.
Canucks Need Backup Strategy in Case of Demko’s Absence
If Demko’s health issues persist into the early part of the 2024-25 season, the Canucks could risk undermining the progress they made last year. Vancouver cannot afford to go into the season without a solid backup plan, and that backup appears to be Arturs Silovs, who is projected to be Demko’s primary understudy.
Silovs had a mixed showing last season in limited appearances, posting a respectable 2.47 GAA but a less-than-stellar .881 save percentage and a .500 quality starts percentage. His playoff performance wasn’t as sharp, as he finished with a 2.91 GAA and a .898 save percentage, alongside a .400 quality starts percentage. However, Silovs showed flashes of potential, including recording a shutout, and with a full offseason and preseason preparation, he could improve.
Silovs could also benefit from easing into the role during the regular season, especially if Demko’s injury concerns linger into October. Early-season opportunities could help him gain confidence and rhythm without the intense pressure of the playoffs.
A Potential Solution: Sharing the Load Between Demko and Silovs
One of the best strategies for the Canucks might be to adopt a 1A/1B approach, with Silovs getting around 40% of the starts early in the season. This would alleviate pressure on Demko, giving him more rest between games to recover fully while still contributing when he’s able. It would also give Silovs the chance to develop into a more reliable option in net.
If Demko’s injury does sideline him for an extended period, the Canucks may need to explore adding a veteran goaltender who can share the load with Silovs. Bringing in an experienced netminder could provide stability and depth, ensuring that Vancouver remains competitive even in Demko’s absence.
While Silovs shows promise, relying on him as the sole No. 1 goalie for an extended stretch might be risky. A balanced approach, where both he and a veteran split duties, would be the safest way for the Canucks to maintain their early-season success and build on the momentum from last year.
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