Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet has outlined a strategy to ensure the health and peak performance of goaltender Thatcher Demko for the upcoming playoffs, following a season where Demko’s absence due to a knee injury in Game 7 against Edmonton proved detrimental to the team’s postseason aspirations. This incident has prompted Tocchet to implement changes aimed at better managing Demko’s workload and physical condition.
Known for his impressive performances during critical stretches of the season, Demko has unfortunately been plagued by injuries towards the end of several campaigns. Tocchet, however, emphasizes that these injuries were largely unpredictable occurrences, not indicative of a chronic issue. To mitigate the risk of overexertion during practice sessions, a notable adjustment involves incorporating a practice goalie into the team’s routine. Previously, Demko would participate in drills led by goaltending coach Ian Clark, after which a third goalie would step in for team practices. This modification aims to alleviate Demko’s physical strain during training sessions.
Tocchet stresses that managing Demko’s workload extends beyond simply regulating the number of games he plays; it encompasses meticulous planning of practice schedules, travel arrangements, and overall physical demands. In addressing the curiosity surrounding Demko’s game load, Tocchet remarks, “Everybody wants to know a number, ‘How many games does he play? Is it 50? Is it 52? Is it 55? Is it 58?’ That’ll sort itself out. It’s more than that, though. It’s the management of practices, his schedule, how we travel, and we’re going to keep doing deep dives into that.”
Despite Demko’s remarkable statistics for the current season—35 wins, 14 losses, 2 overtime losses, a 2.45 goals-against average, a .918 save percentage, and 5 shutouts—Tocchet acknowledges the importance of vigilance in maintaining his physical fitness. Praising Demko’s dedication to conditioning, Tocchet describes him as “obsessive” about his body. However, he underscores the team’s responsibility to ensure even his practice sessions are managed carefully. Reflecting on their efforts in the previous season, Tocchet remarks, “But we definitely have to manage his workload, even in practice, and I thought we did a pretty good job last year.”
Jim Rutherford, President of the Vancouver Canucks, echoed Tocchet’s sentiments regarding Demko’s work ethic and the need for prudent management. Speaking on the Bob McCown Podcast, Rutherford expressed admiration for Demko’s rigorous training regimen, noting his tendency to hit the ice before his teammates. However, Rutherford voiced concerns that Demko may push himself excessively, emphasizing the importance of balancing practice intensity with recovery to prevent potential burnout or injury.
In response to these considerations, the Canucks’ management team underlines their commitment to implementing strategies that optimize practice management, balance game time, and carefully plan travel schedules. These measures are designed not only to preserve Demko’s health and longevity throughout the season but also to maximize his availability and performance during critical playoff moments.
In conclusion, Tocchet and Rutherford’s shared focus on preserving Demko’s health underscores the Canucks’ proactive approach to ensuring their goaltender remains a formidable asset in the quest for postseason success. By integrating strategic adjustments into Demko’s training and competition routines, Vancouver aims to minimize the risk of injury and enhance his capability to contribute consistently at the highest levels of competition.
