Canucks Face Avalanche Without Starting Goaltender
The Vancouver Canucks will be without their starting goaltender Thatcher Demko for Sunday's matchup against the visiting Colorado Avalanche. The team announced the news on Saturday, confirming Demko would not be available for the highly anticipated game at Rogers Arena.
Injury Details and Timing
While the Canucks have not disclosed specific details about Demko's injury, the timing is particularly unfortunate given his strong performance earlier this season. Demko was last seen in net during Vancouver's game against the New York Rangers on October 28, 2025, where he made several key saves throughout the contest.
The injury announcement came on November 9, 2025, leaving the Canucks with limited time to adjust their game plan before facing one of the league's most potent offenses in the Avalanche.
Team Adjustments and Backup Options
With Demko unavailable, the Canucks will likely turn to their backup goaltending options. The team has several possibilities to consider:
- Starting the primary backup who has been practicing with the team
- Calling up a goaltender from their AHL affiliate
- Adjusting defensive strategies to support whoever starts in net
This unexpected lineup change comes as the Canucks look to maintain their competitive position in the Pacific Division standings. The absence of their number one goaltender presents a significant challenge against an Avalanche team that has demonstrated offensive firepower throughout the early season.
Coach Rick Tocchet and his staff will need to quickly implement a game plan that accounts for the changed circumstances in net. The team's defensive structure and penalty killing units will be under particular scrutiny without their starting netminder between the pipes.
