### Canucks' Goaltender Thatcher Demko Suffers Injury in Loss to Maple Leafs The Vancouver Canucks faced a significant setback during their recent game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, where goaltender Thatcher Demko left the match after the first period due to a lower-body injury. This incident occurred during a disappointing 5-0 loss, marking the Canucks' sixth consecutive defeat. Following the game, head coach Adam Foote confirmed Demko's injury, which has now led to his placement on injured reserve (IR) for at least 10 days, as announced by the team on January 11, 2026 [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/canucks-thatcher-demko-leaves-game-033016485.html, https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/canucks-place-goaltender-thatcher-demko-184507478.html, https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/canucks-place-goalie-thatcher-demko-on-injured-reserve]. ### Breakdown of the Situation 1. **Injury Details**: - Demko sustained a lower-body injury during the game against the Maple Leafs, leading to his early exit after the first period [https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/article/canucks-demko-sustains-lower-body-injury-in-loss-to-maple-leafs]. 2. **Impact on Team**: - The Canucks have now placed Demko on IR for the second time this season, which raises concerns about the team's goaltending depth and overall performance [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/canucks_g_thatcher_demko_lower_body_placed_on_ir/s1_17050_43317608]. 3. **Team Response**: - In light of Demko's injury, the Canucks have recalled goaltender Nikita Tolopilo from the AHL to fill the gap left by Demko's absence [https://vancouversun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/vancouver-canucks/canucks-notebook-thatcher-demko-injured-reserve-nikita-tolopilo-recalled/wcm/0767fb3d-1bea-41f9-b4fe-bfee043fcfb2]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Injury Timeline**: - Demko's injury occurred on January 10, 2026, during a game that resulted in a 5-0 loss to the Maple Leafs [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/canucks_thatcher_demko_left_game_vs_maple_leafs_with_lower_body_injury/s1_15359_43315452]. - He has been placed on IR, indicating he will miss at least 10 days, which could affect the team's performance in upcoming games [https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/article/canucks-place-g-demko-on-ir-for-second-stint-this-season]. ### Summary of Findings 1. **Injury Confirmation**: Thatcher Demko left the game against the Maple Leafs due to a lower-body injury, confirmed by head coach Adam Foote [https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/article/canucks-demko-sustains-lower-body-injury-in-loss-to-maple-leafs]. 2. **IR Placement**: The Vancouver Canucks have placed Demko on injured reserve, marking his second stint on IR this season [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/canucks_place_thatcher_demko_on_injured_reserve/s1_14825_43317446]. 3. **Team Adjustments**: The team has recalled Nikita Tolopilo from the AHL to address the goaltending situation in Demko's absence [https://vancouversun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/vancouver-canucks/canucks-notebook-thatcher-demko-injured-reserve-nikita-tolopilo-recalled/wcm/0767fb3d-1bea-41f9-b4fe-bfee043fcfb2]. In conclusion, the Vancouver Canucks are facing a challenging period with the injury of their key goaltender, Thatcher Demko, which could have significant implications for their performance in the coming games.