Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko named Vezina finalist

Given his impressive performance over the regular season, Vancouver Canucks starting goaltender Thatcher Demko has been named a Vezina Trophy finalist.

The 28-year-old had 51 starts and went 35-14-2 this regular season. He had five shutouts and set career-bests with a 2.45 goals-against average and a .918 save percentage.

For blueliner Tyler Myers, it was a no brainer.

“We thought he was up a few months ago,” he said, followed by laughter. “Very deserving. He had an unbelievable year, still battling for us. We’re very happy for him. It goes to show the work that he puts in, and it’s great to see.”

“He’s our rock,” added coach Rick Tocchet, who told reporters he knew Demko was special the moment he took over as head coach.

“Very business, like, works his ass off. I don’t know. He’s a student of the game — he wants it.”

Demko was in net for Game 1 of the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Nashville Predators, but was once again injured. He’s still week to week, according to team staff, as of April 26.

Demko missed 14 games with a lower-body injury at the end of the Canucks’ Pacific Division-winning season. He returned for their penultimate regular-season game, where he secured a 4-1 victory.

The Vezina Trophy is awarded each year “to the goalkeeper adjudged to be the best at this position,” as voted by GMs of all of the leagues clubs.

The voting is conducted at the end of the regular season, with three finalists named.

The last time a Canucks netminder was nominated for the Vezina was more than a decade ago, when Roberto Luongo was honoured.

Florida Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky and Winnipeg Jets netminder Connor Hellebuyck are also nominated this year.

Meanwhile, Tocchet is expected to be nominated for the Jack Adams Award for his role in helping turn the team around. Captain Quinn Hughes is also widely expected to not only be nominated but to win the Norris Trophy.