Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko could be a hidden card for some pool players if he stays healthy this year, as a serious groin injury limits him to just 32 games in 2022-2023.
After being out of action for almost three months, he has taken a lot of time to strengthen himself mentally, which could serve him well in the long run.
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“It was the first time I was hurt so badly,” he told the Frankly Speaking podcast. I’ve never been out of the game in the middle of the season and had so much rehab time only to come back and have to find my way again. It was a new experience for me that allowed me to develop my character.”
After the shock of learning that he would be out for an extended period, Demko realized what positives this break could have for him.
“I quickly realized that I had a lot of time to think about and work on my physiology, my biology, the mental side, pretty much everything,” he told Sportsnet shortly after returning to play last season.
Difficult season in Vancouver
However, before his injury, the American did not have numbers worthy of a goalkeeper who finished seventh in the Vezina Trophy last season. According to the website thescore.com, the goaltender had a meager .833 save percentage and a goals-against average of 3.93 in 15 games between October 12 and December 1, giving him a record of 3-10. 2 corresponds.
His return after his injury was more convincing. Between February 27 and April 11, he had a .918 batting average and a 2.52 GAA in 17 games, giving him an 11-4-2 record.
“I really feel better now,” Demko said. When I come back from this, I can overcome any challenge. I feel really good.”
The goalkeeper admits that he enjoyed his play at the end of the season and now has one goal in mind for the 2022-2023 season: participating in the playoffs.
The Vancouver Canucks had another difficult season last year, finishing sixth in the Pacific Division with a record of 38-37-7. Their last playoff appearance was in 2020, where they lost to the Vegas Golden Knights in the second round.