Thatcher Demko wasn't supposed to start on Saturday for the Vancouver Canucks, but when unexpectedly called into duty, Demko had a successful NHL debut.
With Anders Nilsson out due to illness, the 22-year-old Demko was recalled on emergency basis Friday to play against the Blue Jackets. Stopping 26 of 30 shots, Demko helped lead Vancouver to a 5-4 overtime win against a Columbus team fighting for a playoff spot.
First NHL game, first big NHL save from @tdemko30 . #CBJvsVAN pic.twitter.com/iRuM7OD0S1
— NHL (@NHL) March 31, 2018
Columbus struck first in the opening period but two goals from Vancouver in the second gave the Canucks a lead with 20 minutes to play in regulation. Vancouver stretched that lead to 4-1, but the Blue Jackets scored three goals in the final four minutes of the third to force overtime.
Demko faced one shot in the extra session, stopping it, before Alex Edler scored at the 1:21 mark to seal Demko's first career NHL victory.
"[Head coach Travis Green] asked me yesterday if I want to start," Demko said. "I said yes pretty quick. It was a thrill to be out there; even when they scored all those goals at the end, I was still smiling.”
Hear what @TDemko30 had to say after recording his 1️⃣st #NHL win. pic.twitter.com/nbE3UxdtgH
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) March 31, 2018
A San Diego, Calif., native, Demko was enjoying a successful season with the Utica Comets in the AHL before getting the call up. His .921 save percentage ranks eighth in the AHL among goaltenders who have played at least 20 games. The Canucks selected Demko in the second round of the 2014 NHL Draft, and he turned pro last season. That came a year after Demko underwent hip surgery after playing his entire junior season for Boston College with limited mobility.
"He played a real good game. Obviously wish we would have got the win at 4-1," Green said. "He's going to have fond memories from his first NHL game."
Coach Green talks @TDemko30 and the team's victory over the Blue Jackets. pic.twitter.com/rmUqLMAHUX
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) March 31, 2018
The timing of his NHL debut worked out well for Demko and the Comets, with the team having already clinched a playoff berth when he made the trip to Rogers Arena. With AHL postseason play beginning April 5, Demko missed two games with Utica and will return once Nilsson is available.