Canucks Face Critical Stretch Without Demko

The Vancouver Canucks are embarking on a crucial five-game road trip without their star goalie Thatcher Demko, who is sidelined week-to-week with a lower-body injury sustained in a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. This absence places pressure on backup goalies Kevin Lankinen and Arturs Silovs to step up, especially with two back-to-back games scheduled. Captain Quinn Hughes, recovering from an oblique injury, provides some hope as he returned to practice in a non-contact jersey and may soon be able to play. Demko has had a challenging season with recurring injuries, appearing in only 17 of the team's 55 games. The Canucks, currently holding the final playoff spot, face a critical stretch to maintain their position. The team hopes both Hughes and Demko can return to full health to bolster their playoff push.