Demko poised to make 2nd regular-season start for Canucks
Goalie shakes off pre-season concussion as the first start of his NHL season awaits Thursday
Thatcher Demko’s to-do list is extensive.
Like his peers who have made the transition from the AHL to the NHL, the Vancouver Canucks goaltender knows the process is far from seamless. The game is quicker at this level. Shots come from every angle and carry more velocity, accuracy and creativity. Rebound recovery has to be sharp and sealing up the short side is always a challenge for any stopper, including the six-foot-four Demko. So is friendly fire.
How do you teach a goalie to avoid a shot to the mask that arrives in the blink of an eye? How do you instinctively know what to do when vulcanized rubber suddenly whistles your way?
It was a Sept. 23 practice shot by Brendan Leipsic that turned Demko’s methodical preparation to eventually become an NHL mainstay into a state of confusion. He was struck square in the cage and missed nearly two months with post-concussion symptoms — including headaches, dizziness and sensitivity to light — that no doctor or goalie coach could cure.
And as the 23-year-old San Diego native prepares to make his first 2018-19 NHL regular-season start — the second of his career — after backup Anders Nilsson was traded to the Ottawa Senators Jan. 2, he has to immerse himself in preparation and rationalize the concussion.
“It was just a one-timer that caught me right between the eyes and I pretty much felt it (the concussion) right away,” said Demko. “It was a situation where I was more worried about my health than anything and obviously it was poor timing with it happening during training camp.
“Everyone heals at a different pace and it was something that I wanted to make sure I took my time with it and was ready to go. I was getting a little frustrated and wasn’t really able to pinpoint where the symptoms were coming from.
I’ve been hit like that a ton of times.”
It’s not like goalies can lobby teammates to avoid taking high shots in practice. Replicating game-like conditions means ensuring pace, plays and shots are at a rapid rate. Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Garret Sparks went into concussion protocol Jan. 3 after a William Nylander practice shot caught the keeper in the mask as he tried to turn away.
“I can’t really tell these guys to not shoot at my head,” said Demko. “If they’re going to shoot there, I’m going to have to take them. You’ve got to stop the puck and if it’s coming at your head, you can’t get out of the way.”
Masks are designed to deflect energy, but it’s often absorbed when a goalie is struck square or turns his head and the temple takes the brunt of the blow that can also produce a whiplash effect.
“I’ve looked into a couple of things and there’s some science behind different technology,” Demko said of ongoing mask improvements. “But at the end of the day, nothing is going to be perfect.”
Demko returned to the net Nov. 21 and made 19 saves for the Utica Comets in a 3-2 AHL win over the Laval Rocket. He amassed an 8-5-1 record with a 2.58 goals-against average and .911 save percentage when the Canucks came calling.
Demko’s only NHL regular-season start came during a whirlwind experience March 31 at Rogers Arena. It was preceded by a pre-game nap in Utica, N.Y., a phone call and a 2:30 a.m. arrival in Vancouver to replace Nilsson, who had the flu, and Jacob Markstrom, who had played seven of the previous eight games.
The end result was 26 saves in a wild 5-4 overtime matinee decision over the Columbus Blue Jackets. Demko heard pucks clang off two posts and a crossbar and heard fans chanting “Thatcher Dem-ko.” He was also beaten for three straight goals in the third period.
“It was such an amazing experience and seeing my whole life ambition come to fruition,” he said. “I had chills during that game and I felt like I belonged.”
Demko wasn’t having a great training camp in September and in two pre-season appearances he went 0-2 in 96:38 of ice time and allowed seven goals. His 4.35 GAA and .833 save percentage were a far cry from last season with the Comets. The second-round selection in the 2014 draft had a 2.44 GAA and .922 save percentage in the AHL regular season and a 2.69 GAA and .927 save percentage in the playoffs.
“I watched a lot of film from training camp to see some of the things to clean up and once you get your details dialed in, you can build up from there,” said Demko. “I’m a student of the game and also have my notebook out.”
Demko is also a student of life. He went back to Boston College last summer to continue a fascination with psychology and human development. His parents also studied psychology.
“I’m just intrigued by the way people see the world,” said Demko. “It’s something I do on the side to take my mind off the game. I also took a couple of sports psychology classes along the way to pick up things and implement them.”
Overtime: Centre Adam Gaudette has been recalled from the Comets. In seven AHL games, the 2015 fifthround pick had seven points. He has six points in 31 NHL games this season. Elias Pettersson (knee) has been placed on injury reserve and Josh Leivo (back spasms) didn’t practise Monday.