Demko led the Vancouver Canucks to a 4-1 win over the Calgary Flames

VANCOUVER – Head coach Rick Tocchet wanted to do more with his star goaltender returning from injury.

Or at least that's what Thatcher Demko told reporters after the Calgary Flames' decisive 4-1 win over the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday.

“I thought he pitched great,” Tocchet Demko said after stopping 39 shots in his first game since March 9. “It was a plan that would allow him to work hard tonight.”

The trainer looked at the faces gathered in front of him, waited for a while and smiled.

“I was joking,” he said. “No one seems to be laughing at him?” I thought it was very funny.'

There was an air of relief around the Canucks on Tuesday as Vancouver (50-22-9) not only defeated the Flames (37-29-5) but also clinched the Pacific Division title. It's the first time Vancouver has won its division since 2013.

The Canucks are still chasing the Stars for the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, but need a win over the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday and a Dallas loss to the St. Louis Blues on Wednesday to accomplish the feat.

Tuesday marked the third time in franchise history that the Canucks reached 50 wins in a season.

“This is a testimony of our work this year. “I don't think anyone will be satisfied,” said Demko. “So there's one more game on the road and then next week the games are going to be really interesting. I'm very excited to prepare for this.”

Demko has been key to Vancouver's success this season and again Tuesday after missing 14 games with a knee injury.

“He's one of the best in the league and it's special to have him,” Canucks captain Quinn Hughes said. “Like I said, (Casey DeSmith) was good for us and (Arthurs Siloves) but Demmer's back. , it's something completely new.”

The Canucks got a goal and an assist from Tyler Myers, while Nils Hoaglander, Dakota Joshua and JT Miller also scored.

Brayden Pachal responded for the Flames midway through the third period, and Jacob Markstrom stopped 27 of 31 shots.

Flames coach Ryan Huska was pleased with his team's effort regardless of the result.

“It wasn't the result, it was effort for us for the full 60 minutes,” he said. “We made three mistakes rushing back into our own zone, lost people, and then one turnover, but other than those mistakes, I liked what we did tonight.”

Miller scored Markstrom with 15:02 left in the third to make it 4-1 with his 37th goal of the season.

Marker extended Miller's point streak to 11 games, with four goals and 10 assists.

“JT Mill-er!” After the goal, the entire Rogers Arena erupted.

Pachal beat Demko on Calgary's 33rd shot of the night and sent the puck through traffic and into the top corner of the net. The goal — Pachal's second of the season and first with the Flames — cut Calgary's deficit to 3-1 at the 8:35 mark of the third period.

“Yeah, it feels good,” he said of the report. “Obviously you want him back, but we're a little bit off. It still feels good, but it would be a lot sweeter with a win.”

Hoaglander got a tantrum in the middle of the second when he pushed Pachal in the chest and Pachal jerked his head back in response.

Tensions erupted in front of the benches, including a clash between Vancouver's Conor Garland – five-foot-eight – and Calgary's six-foot-eight Adam Klapka – where Garland was nearly thrown into the flares seat.

Garland and Klapka were sent off for fouls, and Hoaglander was sent to the box for cross-checking.

Demko made one of his best saves of the night on the ensuing penalty kill, robbing Nazem Kadri hard, before collapsing and rolling onto his back to smother the rebound.

“I felt good. “Of course I want to clean up,” Demko said of Tuesday's performance. “But I think the important thing is to see game action and come back. Obviously, it was great to win … and it was great to win the division.”

ARMS AND FEET

Both Calgary and Vancouver were 0-for-2 on the power play. … Flames defenseman Oliver Kylington played his 200th game of the regular season. … Canucks defenseman Nikita Zadorov turned 29 on Tuesday.

NEXT UP

Canucks: Finish the regular season by visiting the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday.

Flames: Host the San Jose Sharks on Thursday.

This Canadian Press report was first published on April 16, 2024.

Gemma Carstens-Smith, The Canadian Press