Thatcher Demko returns to Vancouver Canucks lineup as backup [Video]

All-star goalie Thatcher Demko will return to the Vancouver Canucks lineup Friday.

Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet said Demko will backup Kevin Lankinen as Vancouver hosts the Columbus Blue Jackets.

It will be Demko’s first game since April 21 when the Canucks beat the Nashville Predators 4-2 in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series.

He suffered an injury to the popliteus muscle in his knee during the game and has been working his way back ever since.

When the 28-year-old netminder from San Diego, Calif., gets a start remains to be seen, but having Demko back in uniform is an important step, Tocchet said.

“He’s a leader on the team. He’s a different type of leader,” the coach said after morning skate Friday.

“The guy works awfully hard. He’s spent a lot of time by himself working out, he’s here at 7 a.m. working with one trainer. So I …