Canucks get boost between the pipes for Sabres matchup

Published: Thursday, December 11, 2025 at 1:45 am

Canucks Get Goalie Boost as They Face Sabres

Vancouver Canucks fans will see a familiar face between the pipes Thursday as starting goaltender Thatcher Demko returns to the lineup. Demko has been sidelined for 12 games due to a lower-body injury sustained on November 11th. Before the injury, Demko had a record of 5-4-0 with a 2.80 goals-against average and a .903 save percentage in 10 games this season.

The Canucks are currently struggling, sitting in last place in the NHL. They are coming off a 4-0 loss to the Detroit Red Wings and have a record of 3-8-3 in their last 14 games. Home ice has been particularly unkind to Vancouver, with a 4-9-1 record at Rogers Arena, tying them for the fewest home points in the league.

Adding to their challenges, the Canucks will be without star center Elias Pettersson, who is sidelined with an upper-body injury. Pettersson, who co-leads the team in points, was expected to return to practice Wednesday but instead skated on his own.

Their opponent, the Buffalo Sabres, are coming off a 4-3 overtime victory against the Edmonton Oilers. The Sabres are dealing with their own injury concerns, with winger Jason Zucker already out and center Josh Norris a late scratch due to illness and soreness.

Despite their challenges, the Sabres have seen improvement in their power play, scoring in each of their last five games. Their success rate has jumped to 30.4% this month, moving them up to 13th in the league overall.

BNN's Perspective:

The return of Demko is a welcome development for the Canucks, who desperately need a boost. While his presence alone won't solve all their problems, it provides a crucial stabilizing force in net. The Sabres, meanwhile, are showing signs of resilience, and their improved power play could pose a significant threat to Vancouver's struggling defense. This game could be a turning point for either team, but the Canucks need to find a way to win at home.

Keywords: Vancouver Canucks, Buffalo Sabres, Thatcher Demko, Elias Pettersson, NHL, Hockey, Injury, Goaltender, Power Play, Josh Norris, Jason Zucker

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