Holtby hiccups mean it’s time for Canucks to dial in with Demko

GAME DAY: TORONTO AT VANCOUVER, 7 P.M.

VANCOUVER — Braden Holtby has had memorable moments during this forgetful NHL season.

There were nights when his post-game summation wasn’t dominated by repetitive refrains of “I have to make those stops” or “it’s on me to be better.”

The Vancouver Canucks’ goaltender has been at his best after struggling and surrendering the net to Thatcher Demko for more than just one game, absorbing instruction from coach Ian Clark, and then applying it to his next start.

It happened Jan. 28 after a two-game hiatus for a 36-save performance in a 4-1 win over Ottawa. And it occurred again after a three-game teaching session and responding with 35 saves in a 5-1 victory in Calgary on Feb. 17. Which, of course, doesn’t explain a threegame exit and goals he’d like to have back during a 5-2 setback at Winnipeg on Tuesday.

It does explain that a 31-yearold stopper with a Stanley Cup ring and Vezina Trophy pedigree continues to be experiencing a difficult transition to a new team after no exhibition games. So naming a starter for a five-game homestand and beyond isn’t a hard decision.

It’s time for a long run with Demko.

No thinking that you have to play Holtby and split the cage for a competitive component, or to give the 25-year-old Demko a breather, outside of back-to-back games. The next double-dip isn’t until March 19-20 in Montreal.

Demko has better numbers, although both goalies have nothing to brag about. Demko has a 3.06 goals-against average (53rd) and .907 save percentage (37th), while Holtby has a 3.56 GAA (64th) and .893 percentage (55th).

Holtby’s recent slide is shocking. He’s 1-4-1 with a 3.89 GAA and .882 save percentage while Demko has a .920 save percentage in his last dozen starts.

Demko’s game has been trending in the right direction after a slow 0-3-0 start when he gave up five, four and seven goals. The restricted free agent recorded his first career regular-season shutout Monday in Winnipeg, and in his last six outings there were two games where he allowed one goal and another where he was beaten twice.

As for Holtby, he’s honest about transitioning from starter to backup and reward the Canucks’ faith with his twoyear, $8.6-million US free-agent contract.

“It’s obviously different,” he said. “I’ve always had an extreme respect for guys who play really well when they’re not playing a lot. It’s challenging, especially after a game where you want to be better and to then have to wait awhile to get another chance. It hurts a little bit more if you didn’t come out and play the game you wanted.

“Now, it’s just getting back to work and when I’m asked to play again, I’ll be ready.”