In the Crease: Thatcher Demko isn’t the problem for the Vancouver Canucks

In the Crease is Lach's first-ever column on the subject of hockey's top goalie, Thatcher Demko. He's been playing since he was 8 years old and started writing about it in 2016. Last night's game between the Canucks and Predators featured two elite netminders, Dem Koed and Juuse Saros. Demoed allowed three goals on 30 shots and had a .900 save percentage. The Canucks lost the game 4-3 in a shootout.   In the crease will focus on DemKo's night and load management.

Nino Neiderrieter scored the first goal for Nashville. Ethan Bear screened Nino's initial shot. Gross got his stick on the shot at the last moment.

Demko is screened by about four to five players. Tanner Jeannot lets Gross shoot.

Demko has not been playing the way fans expect him to this season. He has made some mistakes that cost him some wins. But he has also made important saves when the chips were down. Spencer Martin has started 8 games for the Canucks since his debut in late January. Vancouver has picked up at least a point in all of those games. Martin is quickly proving doubters wrong when it comes to his abilities as a quality NHL backup. Through Martin’s first three games this year, the 27-year-old has yet to lose in regulation. The club should feel comfortable utilizing Martin regularly going forward.