Probably mentally. It may sound like a cliché, but it’s a huge part of the game, especially the goal. I’ve been working hard on that. ‘ – Thatcher Demko on her improved game
Article content
Thatcher Demko easily recalled her last major stand against a full house at Rogers Arena.
Commercial
This ad has not been uploaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content
Forty-five saves have a way of staying in the memory bank.
The Vancouver Canucks goalkeeper made the difference in a wild 5-4 victory over the New York Islanders on March 10, 2020, before 18,871 fans. It put the club back above the playoff bar and came just two days before COVID-19 put that NHL season on an extended hiatus.
With BC’s health authority increasing indoor capacity to 100 percent, the Canucks’ home opener on Tuesday will end a 595-day drought for players and patrons to revel in the atmosphere of a stadium. strident. Like that Islanders game.
“A long time ago, man,” Demko said Monday. “I still remember that game and it’s crazy to think that we haven’t seen our fans in so long and I know everyone is excited for it. It will be amazing. Fans are such a massive element.
Commercial
This ad has not been uploaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content
“I was joking with my dad. He was in that game and he’s actually in town. He was in the last game when we had (full) fans and he’ll be here when we get them back, so that’s great. “
NEXT GAME
Tuesday
Minnesota Wild vs. Vancouver Canucks
7 pm, Rogers Arena. TV: Sportsnet One. Radio: AM650
So is Demko’s demeanor, diligence, and dedication.
The starter has faced 172 shots, the second highest after 209 directed at Ilya Sorokin of the Islanders. Demko has forged a 3-1-1 record, a respectable 2.54 goals against average and a solid .924 save percentage. And on analytical accounts of the efficiency of high-hazard shots, those taken from home plate area in the slot, he has seen the most and has the best save percentage.
Run this for Demko and you’ll get a nod and not much else. He talks about the normally well-spoken plug being intelligent, revealing no positional secrets, and maintaining an “us” and not “me” attitude. But its quiet stance, disc tracking, short-side sealing, and rebound control have all improved.
Commercial
This ad has not been uploaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content
“It’s always going to be a work in progress, but I think it’s going well.” “I just want to get victories and I’m not too concerned about how it happens. Obviously, there are things that I work on and things that I know I have to keep an eye on. If we get victories, everything is fine.
“My job is simple in relation to the rest of the team. They have systems. I have a job “.
Demko’s modesty is admirable. But there is much more to a man who has an educated fascination with psychology, human development, and philosophy, which helps in his demanding role. To that he gave a better answer for his improvement.
“Probably mentally,” he said. “It may sound like a cliché, but it’s a big part of the game, especially the goal. It’s something that I knew I had to work on if I wanted to become number one in the league and I’ve been working hard on that. And there is no ceiling with that kind of thing. “
Commercial
This ad has not been uploaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content
Elias Pettersson can relate to physical and mental preparation to meet performance standards.
The Canucks center has just three points (1-2) in six games, has not scored in the last four games and is fighting in the circle of confrontations with an efficiency of 30 percent. In this market, that’s fuel for an enhanced scrutiny fire.
For the masses, Pettersson is too hesitant, does not play on instinct and lacks accuracy of shots. This is what comes with a contract suspension, missing camp and playing just two preseason games.
Playing in front of a full house on Tuesday could help.
“He’s like an extra player, almost,” said Pettersson, who recalled missing a shooting attempt in that game on March 10, 2020. “Last year I realized that the fans play an important role in keeping you going. My preparation has been different. Last year I injured (wrist) but I do not live in the past and I only think about what I can do at the moment.
Commercial
This ad has not been uploaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content
“I have not started this season as I wanted, but it is life. It doesn’t always turn out the way you want it to and I’m going to work hard to improve the next game. Simplifying and working hard is what I want to go back to.
“I’m still trying to make plays, but I just have a good feeling and not dragging the last player. When things don’t go your way, the worst thing is trying to do it yourself, trying to beat my boy instead of making the easy play. It’s a team game ”.
When it comes to fighting, it’s an area where Pettersson has to become more proficient. JT Miller is an option, when he lines up with the slick Swede, but that’s not the development plan.
“I’m not going to shy away from that,” Pettersson said. “It’s video and he tests different techniques and how you win by locking up a guy or with time or going strong. I just have to be better and I will be. “
Commercial
This ad has not been uploaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content
OVERTIME: Exterior Justin dowling lost practice with one day of maintenance and one center Jason dickinson quit practice after being hit from the road trip. Exterior Conor garland is the first Canuck to record a six-game-point streak in the season opener to start a franchise. He has points in all six games with three goals and five assists. “There are times in games where you need something and he provided it,” the Canucks coach said. Travis green .
The Canucks Report, powered by Province Sports, is essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. Sign up here .
Reference-theprovince.com