Canucks' Demko Injured in 5-3 Loss to Jets

Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko suffered a lower-body injury during Tuesday night's game against the Winnipeg Jets, leaving the team to face further challenges in an already injury-plagued season. The 29-year-old netminder exited after the first period in Vancouver, where the Canucks fell 5-3, allowing three goals on eight shots before Kevin Lankinen took over.

Demko, who had returned to the lineup after a nine-day break for maintenance, started strong but appeared unsteady during warmups and stretched during a commercial break in the opening frame. The Jets capitalized early, tying the game at 2-2 on a power-play goal by Josh Morrissey at 14:38, which deflected off Canucks forward Kiefer Sherwood. Winnipeg added two more goals before the period ended, prompting Demko's departure at the start of the second period. A team spokesperson confirmed the injury is unrelated to Demko's previous knee issue or his recent maintenance days, described as a precaution ahead of a compressed schedule. Insider reports indicate the ailment is minor, with Demko expected to miss two to three weeks.

Lankinen, the 30-year-old Finnish backup, stepped in and made 20 saves on 22 shots,...