Vancouver’s goalkeeper was replaced in the middle of everything.
Vancouver goaltender Thatcher Demko missed a game that ended in victory. AOP / USA TODAY SPORTS
Early on Thursday morning Finnish time, the Vancouver Canucks beat the Edmonton Oilers, one of the favorites for success in the West, 8-1. The big figure of the match had scored four hits Brock Boeser.
The Canucks’ supporting forces also included those standing between the posts Thatcher Demko. To the surprise of many, the 27-year-old number one guard, who blocked a total of 21 shots, did not stay in goal until the final buzzer, but moved to the arena’s umens in the middle of the third period. The game was 7–1 at that point.
At the same time, caught in the cold Connor McDavid said after the game that he wondered about the change of goalkeeper.
– A few things in the final set were interesting. I have never come across a situation where the backup goalkeeper is told to go to the goal with ten minutes left in the game, McDavid said, according to DailyHive.
It wasn’t about getting hurt. Canucks coach Rick Tocchet revealed at the press conference Demko was unwell. The match that went well ended in a mess for the defender.
– He didn’t want to leave. When he threw up in his mask, I had to tell him to change, Tocchet revealed to reporters.
The coach says that Demko and many other players suffered from dehydration during the evening. Despite the problems, Vancouver grabbed a crushing victory.
– Poor hydration hit them hard. That’s why I’m proud of them. The guys took it.
The coach hopes that the season that started well does not create too high expectations among the supporters.
– It was just one match. Everything went smoothly for us this time, but this is a long process. We’re keeping our feet on the ground and we’re not ordering championship rings.