Demko Frustrated in Canucks Return, Shrugs Off Equipment Talk

After returning from injury for his first game of the season, Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko shared his thoughts on the team’s 4-3 overtime loss to the St. Louis Blues, all while answering questions focused on his new equipment. With a new look and a return to the Canucks, Demko caught attention on Tuesday. That said, it wasn’t his gear he was concerned about. He acknowledged the challenges of returning to game action, pointing to mental and physical hurdles.

His comments offered insight into the mindset of an elite goalie working to regain his rhythm after time away from the ice.

The Return of Demko.

Welcome back in net, Thatcher! pic.twitter.com/kDbP4cAhJ4

— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) December 11, 2024

As for his black pads and how it feels to be able to wear them, “That is the last thing I’m thinking about right now,” he responded. The question brought some levity to the interview, but Demko quickly brushed it off.

Demko Tried to Manage Expectations in a High-Pressure Return

Demko admitted that his first game back came with heightened emotions and pressure to perform.

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“I thought I could play a couple of goals differently,” Demko reflected. He spoke about managing expectations, emphasizing the importance of not bearing too much weight on his first game despite its anticipation. “The moment builds—you’re excited to play and want to perform,” he said, describing the balance between excitement and the pressure to deliver a standout performance.

Another significant focus for Demko was re-establishing his pre-game routines and mental preparation.

“Part of it is just trying to remember routines and manage expectations,” Demko noted. He pointed out that the mental aspects of returning to play are as important as the physical ones. While he has put in the physical work to prepare, warming up mentally and adjusting to game speed are critical steps in his return.

Demko explained how these routines and mental exercises help sharpen his focus. “There’s only so much you can do physically,” he remarked, adding that “getting back into it is about warming up the mental side again.”

Demko Made In-Game Adjustments that Helped Build His Confidence

Despite a challenging start, Demko felt more comfortable as the game progressed.

“I thought I felt better as the game went along,” Demko shared, describing how he adjusted to the pace of play and the challenges of reading traffic in front of the net. He admitted that some in-game reads—such as reacting to screens or quick plays—will naturally improve with more game time.

This gradual adjustment speaks to any goaltender’s learning curve when returning from injury, as even split-second decisions take time to redevelop.

While Demko was critical of his performance, his reflections suggest that he views this game as a stepping stone. The loss was frustrating, but it marked an essential step in his journey back to form.

His honesty and awareness show a goalie determined to work through the mental and physical challenges of returning to the crease. With time, he believes his sharpness and decision-making will improve, setting the stage for him to regain his elite form.

The Bottom Line: Demko’s Return Is a Building Block for the Canucks Season

Demko’s candid remarks highlight the difficulties and opportunities in returning to the ice after an extended absence. While his return didn’t go as smoothly as he might have hoped, it’s clear that Demko sees the bigger picture. With his determination and focus on growth, it’s reasonable to speculate that this performance could be the foundation for a strong comeback season.

For Canucks fans, Demko’s progression will be a storyline to watch, as his form will be critical to the team’s success moving forward.

Related: Goaltender Thatcher Demko Returns Tonight for the Canucks