Vancouver Canucks’ Thatcher Demko to build on first start of the season [Video]

It was a whirlwind day for Vancouver Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko.

Nearly eight months after he was injured in the first game of Vancouver’s playoff run, Demko returned to the crease Tuesday for his first start of the season.

“I’ve talked about managing expectations and not putting too much weight on that first game back, but obviously, as the moment builds, you’re excited to play and you want to perform,” he said. “So definitely a little bit of a weird day just getting back into the room and things.”

Demko stopped 21 of the 25 shots he faced as the Canucks fell 4-3 to the St. Louis Blues in overtime.

“I thought he was good tonight. It’s good to see him in net,” said Rick Tocchet, Vancouver’s head coach. “He looks big. I love seeing him back in. He’s worked really hard, so I thought he did a great job …