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Canucks' Rick Tocchet offers words of encouragement to Thatcher Demko after potential season-ending injury
In a moment of uncertainty and distress for Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko, a reassuring voice emerged from within the team's ranks.
Rick Tocchet, the Canucks' head coach, stepped up to offer words of encouragement to Demko, who faced the prospect of a potential season-ending injury.
According to reports from Frank Seravalli, Tocchet's conversation with Demko played a pivotal role in calming the goaltender and providing him with a renewed sense of perspective.
“Your season isn’t over. We’re going to need you, because we’re still going to be playing when you’re ready again,” Rick Tocchet said
With Demko understandably distraught over the uncertainty of his injury and its implications, Tocchet's steadfast demeanor and words of reassurance served as a beacon of hope.
Vancouver Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko injury update
Recent reports on Vancouver Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko's injury suggest optimism. According to The Athletic's Rick Dhaliwal, Demko traveled with the team to Nashville and moved around somewhat normally, indicating positivity. Dhaliwal said:
"The fact that Demko can travel and walk is a very positive sign. Demko's in Nashville with the Canucks."
Contrary to some reports indicating a serious injury requiring surgery and long-term absence, Dhaliwal gave an optimistic update about Thatcher Demko's recovery timeline:
"I'm not hearing he needs surgery."
Canucks secure 2-1 victory over Predators despite Thatcher Demko's absence
Backup goalie Casey DeSmith secured his first postseason victory, aiding the Vancouver Canucks in reclaiming home-ice advantage against the Nashville Predators.
DeSmith's 29 saves propelled the Canucks to a narrow 2-1 victory on Friday, granting them a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. His performance was a redemption after a disappointing Game 2. Rick Tocchet praised DeSmith's demeanor, highlighting his suitability for the backup role:
“His demeanor is just great for that role."
J.T. Miller and Brock Boeser contributed crucial power-play goals, with Quinn Hughes providing two assists. Despite Luke Evangelista's late goal for Nashville, DeSmith stood firm, denying further attempts by the Predators.
The Canucks' victory was notable because of their limited shots on goal, reminiscent of Pittsburgh's win in the 2017 Stanley Cup Final. Vancouver capitalized on power-play opportunities while stifling Nashville's man-advantage situations. Predators'captain Roman Josi emphasized the need for movement and aggression to break through Vancouver's defensive strategy:
“Their box doesn’t move much, so I think we’ve got to get some movement and then just get some shots through, maybe get a dirty goal, a tip or just a rebound."
The Predators' woes were compounded by injuries, as defenseman Spencer Stastney's exited early after a boarding incident. Despite a lack of clarity on the penalty ruling, Stastney's absence may impact Nashville's defensive depth moving forward.
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