Canucks: Playoff push is Thatcher Demko's affirmation, Linus Karlsson's latest audition

Yahoo

02-04-2025

Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko knows affirmation of his game and health being in a good place depends on how the remainder of the NHL regular season plays out.
Canucks winger Linus Karlsson knows his latest audition to be more than a recall option for the Vancouver Canucks makes every night a Game 7 test of skill, will and consistency.
For the veteran starting goaltender and improving winger, a narrow path toward the post-season has little margin for a misstep. One bad goal or bad turnover can lead to a crushing loss.
After all, MoneyPuck.com had the Canucks' chances of advancing to the playoffs at just 7.7 per cent heading into Wednesday's test against the upset-motivated Seattle Kraken.
It's an ominous odyssey to beat overwhelming odds, but Demko is up for it.
Injuries and rehab in a season gone sideways are motivation to prove his worth now and in the future. He has another season remaining on a five-year, $25-million US extension.
Demko returned from his latest setback on March 24 at New Jersey. After missing 15 games with an undisclosed ailment, he was solid in a 4-3 shootout win. He finished with 22 saves in regulation and a big one in overtime.
That victory was crucial, but the Canucks may have to nearly run the table in seven remaining games after facing the Kraken — and need a wild-card club to hit the skids — to keep their playoff hopes alive.
'These are the games you want,' stressed Demko, who has been limited to 21 appearances this season. 'You're never really comfortable coming back. That's part of it. You just have to trust in your preparation and compete as hard as you can.
'We know the position we're in, and it's not necessarily a favourable one. Focus on one game at a time. Things can change quick.'
It has tested the collective resolve in absence of injured centres Filip Chytil and Elias Pettersson, plus winger Nils Hoglander.
'Proud of the guys. As a group, we've gone through a lot this year,' added Demko. 'Not an easy situation with guys out, but I feel our effort has been there every game. We haven't mailed it in.'
The school of hard knocks is easier to endure when with the right tutors.
Linus Karlsson had an extended conversation with Daniel Sedin before an optional game-day skate Wednesday. For an NHL hopeful, it was master-class instruction from a Hockey Hall of Fame winger, who knew how to work the walls and find the net.
And his twin brother, Henrik, was pretty good, too.
'Both Daniel and Hank have been incredible ever since I came here,' stressed Karlsson. 'I was more of a half-wall guy, and the power play and working down low has been a good fit.
'And that's where Daniel and Hank have been good with details around the net, tips, and finding the soft areas. That's were I will grow the most. That's where I've scored my goals in Abbotsford and even my two goals up here.'
Add AHL tutelage from Abbotsford head coach Manny Malhotra, who has guided the affiliate to a franchise record 10-straight wins, and there's a notable upbeat tone in the 25-year-old Karlsson.
He signed a one-year, $775,000 extension on March 14, but won't be waiver-exempt next season, and becomes a restricted free agent with arbitration rights when the deal expires.
A strong training camp and preseason to crack the Canucks' roster next fall, and avoid being plucked off the waiver wire, is the obvious goal.
It means treating these games like the playoffs and making the right impression.
'Every game I've been up here is like a playoff game for me,' said Karlsson, who has logged 16 at the NHL level. 'I have to bring something every game so they see what I could bring to this team. Make sure I'm on guys, set screens, be around the net and be good defensively.'
Karlsson was buoyed by scoring his first NHL goal Jan. 29 in Nashville by getting to the net to pot the winner in a 3-1 decision. He has had 24- and 23-goal seasons in Abbotsford, but those totals are hard to replicate in the NHL. You need a complete game.
'I found something,' added Karlsson. 'I'm trying to be good on the forecheck and the walls. I'm not the most skilled guy and just trying to find my role.'
Maholtra would applaud the Nashville accomplishment because getting Karlsson to shoot more in tight is just as important as other details away from the puck.
'He's pushing me to be more of a leader and that's helping me more in my game,' said Karlsson, who has 34 AHL points (21-13) in 30 games this season.
As for Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet, the directive to Karlsson isn't complicated but requires continuous effort.
'He's added that sticky-guy element and can get to the net and win board battles,' said Tocchet. 'This time of year that's important. And now we're looking for consistency and that's hard to do every night.'
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