Thatcher Demko Might Be The Best Goalie In Canada
Thatcher Demko Might Be The Best Goalie In Canada
Thatcher Demko may not have as much experience as the other netminders north of the border, But, he’s proving he can be elite. Demko has solidified himself as the top option in Vancouver. It’s been an up and down year for the Canucks, but satbality in net is keeping them alive.
Who Is Thatcher Demko?
Thatcher Demko this season has a record of 27-18-3 with a 2.63 GAA (goals against average). He has a good save percentage of .917 to go along with one shutout. He played at Boston College and didn’t get a ton of NHL action until 2019. Jacob Markstrom was injured with a knee injury. Before the shutdown, Demko started in seven out of the last eight games and finished with a 3-4-0 record and a .906 save percentage. In the bubble facing elimination, Demko got his opportunity against Vegas. He became the first goalie since Jose Theodore in 1997 to win a elimination game in his playoff debut.
If that wasn’t enough, he did it again. Demko became the first rookie goaltender since Jacques Plante in 1953 to win his first two playoff starts when facing elimination. His 48 save shutout became the NHL record for most saves in a playoff shutout by a rookie, and the most saves by a goaltender in a game that ended in regulation. Markstrom was sent packing to Calgary after that season. He’s been the undisputed starter from that point and has been playing like it.
He’s The Man
It hasn’t been perfect, but Thatcher Demko has really bailed out his team this season. Obviously with Bruce Boudreau they are playing better. However, without Demko, you can make the case they wouldn’t be in the position they are now. The 26 year old has been standing on his head at times this season and he is only going to get better.
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