With only three regulation losses so far in 2024, the Vancouver Canucks are a steam engine that seemingly cannot be stopped. They have built up a four-point cushion on first place in the NHL and what was a tight race at the top of the Pacific Division with the Vegas Golden Knights is now a 12-point spread with the Canucks at 80 points and the Golden Knights at 68.
The Canucks are seeing unprecedented success that fans have not seen since their glory days in the 2010s when they were winning Presidents’ Trophies and Pacific Division titles almost every season. In fact, their two best seasons in 2010-11 and 2011-12 didn’t have them at 80 points after 56 games. If all goes well, the 2023-24 Canucks might make franchise history and eclipse the 54 wins and 117 points that the 2010-11 team put up when they went to the Stanley Cup Final against the Boston Bruins. They only need 18 victories in their last 26 games, which is not impossible with how this roster is clicking right now.
With all that said, let’s to this edition of Canucks’ 3 Up, 3 Down, which features a certain goaltender climbing the all-time wins list, a hometown boy possibly making his NHL debut, an unfortunate injury to Dakota Joshua, and more.
Plus One: Thatcher Demko Hits 30 Wins, Passes Dan Cloutier
After struggling at the beginning of last season and suffering a long-term injury that kept him out until January, Thatcher Demko has bounced back in a big way this season. Among goaltenders who have played 18 or more games, he is seventh in goals-against average (GAA), sixth in save percentage (SV%), and leads the league in wins with 30. His 2.45 GAA and .918 SV% are career-bests right now and have put him firmly in the conversation for the Vezina Trophy.
Demko is also climbing the Canucks all-time wins list as he passed Dan Cloutier with his victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Feb. 13 and is now in sole possession of fourth place with 111. He is only 16 wins away from passing the great Richard Brodeur for third place behind Kirk McLean (211) and Roberto Luongo (252), and if he plays his entire career with…
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