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Canucks' Demko Injured Again; Lankinen Takes Over

1/11/2026

48 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Thatcher Demko was placed on injured reserve with a lower-body injury from a 5-0 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
This marks his second IR stint this season, after he missed 12 games with an undisclosed injury.
Kevin Lankinen will start in his absence.
Nikita Tolopilo has been recalled from the AHL.
The Canucks are currently last in the NHL and will face the Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators next.

History

Historical Context

The NHL expanded from six to twelve teams in 1967, marking a significant shift in the league's structure and competitiveness. The Vancouver Canucks, one of the new teams, faced challenges similar to those of earlier expansion teams, including player injuries like Thatcher Demko's current lower-body issue. This expansion era has shaped team strategies and player management in the increasingly competitive NHL landscape.

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Story summary

Thatcher Demko was placed on injured reserve with a lower-body injury from a 5-0 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
This marks his second IR stint this season, after he missed 12 games with an undisclosed injury.
Kevin Lankinen will start in his absence.
Nikita Tolopilo has been recalled from the AHL.
The Canucks are currently last in the NHL and will face the Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators next.

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