Canucks Schedule: When will goalie Thatcher Demko get the call?

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Thatcher Demko finally participated in a full practice Sunday in Newark, N.J.

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The timing couldn’t have been better for the Vancouver Canucks designated starter. Especially if he can quickly revert to form Monday to spell off Kevin Lankinen, who played through flu-like symptoms Saturday in a 5-3 loss to the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden.

Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet provided an encouraging Demko update but didn’t go further.

“He’s had the net now about three times and that (Sunday) was probably as close to a full practice that he’s had,” said Tocchet. “He’s starting to feel pretty good, so we’ll see what happens.”

Demko was injured Feb. 8 in a strange sequence that started before the puck was dropped.

He reacted awkwardly to a trio of warm-up shot at Rogers Arena, and it was a sign that something wasn’t right. When Demko flexed his left knee after making a first-period save — and then gave way to Lankinen after six saves in 10 minutes in what would be a 2-1 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs — there was reason to wonder.

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“I don’t think it’s that’s serious, but I don’t know,” Tocchet said at the time. “From early reports, it’s not the knee.”

Demko did hurt his knee in Game 1 of the opening round NHL playoff series against the Nashville Predators

Whatever you want to read into the nature of his injuries, it doesn’t really matter now. The Canucks need 16 points in their final 12 games to reach 92 points and squeeze into the post-season. That means going 8-4-0 or 7-3-2 and getting great goaltending.

At his best, Demko plays big and calm, and free of losing the staples in his game.

His 3-1-1 run before that Feb. 8 setback featured an encouraging 1.25 goals-against average, .952 saves percentage and a shutout. A freak popliteus knee-muscle injury on April 21 that ended his season was in the rear-view mirror of a long and arduous rehabilitation.

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It brought back memories of his strong run to a Vezina Trophy finalist nomination last season with a career best 35-14-2 record, 2.45 GAA., .918 saves percentage and five shutouts.

Receiving strong goaltending in four remaining stops of a defining six-game road trip is imperative. And so is filling in the blanks up front. Centre Filip Chytil remains in concussion protocol, while Elias Pettersson and Nils Hoglander are considered day-to-day with undisclosed ailments suffered Saturday.

“They are pretty sore and banged up,” Tocchet said Sunday. “We’ll see what 24 hours brings and I couldn’t tell you for sure either way.”

Centre Aatu Raty has been recalled on an emergency basis from the AHL affiliate in Abbotsford. In 21 NHL games this season, he has a 56 per cent efficiency in faceoffs.

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Here is what the Canucks face the remainder of this week:

Canucks vs. Devils

When and where: Monday, 4:30 p.m. | Prudential Center

TV: Amazon Prime. Radio: Sportsnet 650

Why watch: Devils lacking the details

New Jersey is in a playoff position but has lost three of its last four. The Devils surrendered two goals in 22 seconds Saturday, which allowed the Ottawa Senators to claim a 3-2 victory. And on Thursday, they coughed up four-straight goals in the third period as the Calgary Flames rallied for a crucial 5-3 triumph.

Who to watch: Goaltender Jacob Markstrom

The former Canucks goalie has a 1-5-0 record since retuning from a March 2 knee injury. He has allowed three or more goals in each of his last four outings, giving up six twice, and four to the Dallas Stars. “He’s still trying to find his game. I haven’t seen progress,” said Devils coach Sheldon Keefe. Will he play Monday?

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Canucks vs. Islanders

When and where: Wednesday, 4:30 p.m. | UBS Arena

TV: Sportsnet. Radio: Sportsnet 650

Why watch: Canucks have a bad memory

The Canucks went too quietly into the night on Nov. 14 at Rogers Arena. Rookie Jonathan Lekkerimaki opening scoring with his first NHL goal and then the Islanders scored five-straight straight goals and cruised to an easy 5-2 win. “I apologize to the fans, we’re not playing good enough at home,” summarized Tocchet.

Who to watch: Centre Bo Horvat

When the former Canucks centre is paired with Mathew Barzal, they form a dynamic duo. However, Barzal had a minor procedure after a Feb. 1 shot block and may be out for rest of the regular season. Horvat leads the Isles with 48 points (24-24) and has five points (4-1) in his last five games.

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Canucks vs. Blue Jackets

When and where: Friday, 4 p.m. | Nationwide Arena

TV: Sportsnet. Radio: Sportsnet 650

Why watch: Opportunity knocks for Canucks

The resurgent Blue Jackets appeared playoff bound, but have won just two of their last 10 games (2-7-1). They went on a big roll of 10 wins in a 13-game span before the wrong kind of March Madness struck. They’ve given up 34 goals in their last nine games and blanked four times.

Who to watch: Defenceman Zach Werenski

Has added some drama to the Norris Trophy watch with 20 goals and 69 points 60 games. He is still a dozen points back of front-runner Cale Makar, who leads all blueliners. Quinn Hughes has 67 points (16-51) in just 56 games in his bid for back-to-back titles.

bkuzma@postmedia.com

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