Thatcher Demko is nearing a return to game action with the Vancouver Canucks after missing the entire season so far with injury.
The Canucks don't play Saturday night, but are welcoming the Tampa Bay Lightning to Rogers Arena at 1 PM on Sunday, and it appears based on line rushes that Demko could be taking the crease.
The Canucks are giving Demko some extra work after easing their star goalie back from injury, and we won't know until tomorrow if that's to get him ready for game action.
The team could just be rotating Lankinen and Silovs at practice to keep Lankinen fresh for tomorrow's game, but after serving as backup on Friday night, Demko is clearly inching towards his long awaited return.
The Canucks have gotten solid goaltending from Kevin Lankinen in the absence of Demko, with the Finnish goalie posting a .908 save percentage in 19 starts so far.
He'll likely continue to be leaned on throughout the year as the Canucks try to manage Demko's ice time.
Vancouver debut lines ahead of Sunday
The Canucks aren't making changes after a convincing 5-2 over Columbus on Friday.
While the return of Demko will be a huge addition, the Canucks are also eager to see forwards like J.T Miller make their return to the lineup.
On Friday, 4th line forwards Max Sasson and Aatu Raty played just 8:16 and 6:48 respectively, so clearly Rick Tocchet is having a hard time relying on call ups from Abbotsford.
The Lightning are coming off of a massive 8-1 victory over the Sharks on Thursday as they make their way to Vancouver.
