The Vancouver Canucks need their No. 1 goalie to be healthy for the playoffs.
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We’ll get to the result in a moment, but let’s lead with the obvious: the Vancouver Canucks need their No. 1 goalie to be healthy for the playoffs.
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That’s the only thing that matters now, after all-star Thatcher Demko left midway through the second period of Saturday’s 5-0 win over the Winnipeg Jets.
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Groin injury? That’s what people were speculating.
Whatever was the reason, the Canucks were keeping mum.
We’ll have to play the waiting game to see what happens next.
The Canucks are scheduled to practise on Sunday.
As for the game, the Canucks were outstanding, defeating a tough but tired Jets squad.
Best first period of the season
It’s difficult to think of candidates for a better first period than Vancouver’s first frame.
They fires 20 shots on the Winnipeg goal. They beat Connor Hellebuyck three times, which is no mean feat over the course of a game, let alone a period.
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They hammered the Jets with hit after hit, forcing all sorts of turnovers and retaining possession practically at will.
What a defenceman
Every night Quinn Hughes provides a new talking point.
How about Hughes’ first period? The Canucks didn’t give up a shot attempt with him on the ice.
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He now has 75 points on the season.
It was also the 62nd multi-assist game of his career, putting him in incredible company for players under 25.
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Steady Podz
Vasily Podkolzin played his fourth NHL game of the season. While he’s not showing up on the score sheet, he’s looking poised and confident in everything he does.
He’s not playing a lot, but when he’s on the ice good things are happening.
He was +5 in shot attempts on the night, a good summation for how well he played — and how well his team played.
Combined shutout
Casey DeSmith was excellent in relief for Demko, a tough position to come into cold.
The Canucks didn’t give away many shots — just 22 on the night — but DeSmith looked composed the entire time.
He may have to carry a big load soon.
NEXT GAME
Wednesday
Colorado Avalanche vs. Vancouver Canucks
7:30 p.m., Rogers Arena, TV: SN Pacific, Radio: Sportsnet 650
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