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Vancouver Canucks News

The Canadiens have placed Brendan Gallagher on IR with a concussion.

The Canadiens confirmed that Gallagher suffered a concussion on Tuesday and will be out indefinitely. This is obviously a huge blow for Montreal, who lost part of their dominant top-line. Gallagher is second on the team in goals (15) and points (32) in 40 games this season.

Brendan Gallagher
Gallagher (upper-body) is not expected to play Thursday.

Gallagher suffered an upper-body injury that is likely a concussion in the second period of Tuesday's loss to the Hurricanes. Gallagher was hit in open-ice but was hurt when Ben Chiarot inadvertently kneed him in the head on his way to the ice. Dale Weise was called up from the AHL on Wednesday, suggesting that Gallagher will not be available Thursday vs. Tampa Bay.

Brendan Gallagher
Demko is out indefinitely with a concussion.

Demko suffered a concussion in practice Wednesday, coach Travis Green said ahead of Thursday’s game vs. the Hurricanes. Loui Eriksson collided with Demko while taking the puck to the net in practice and Demko also took a shot off the mask at one point as well. Mike DiPietro has been recalled from Utica (AHL) and is expected to serve as Jacob Markstrom's backup on Thursday.

Thatcher Demko
Demko will start Saturday vs. the Sabres.

Demko surrendered two goals on 42 shots in the Canucks win over the Senators on Tuesday. The win snapped a three-game losing skid for Demko, who will start for the 12th time this season on Saturday afternoon. The 23-year-old has gone 4-0-1 with a 2.62 GAA and .919 SV% in five home games this season.

Thatcher Demko
Demko will start Tuesday vs. the Senators.

Demko gave up seven goals on 39 shots in the Canucks loss in Pittsburgh last Wednesday. It was a wild game and it ended up being Demko's worst outing of the season. After playing fantastic in October, Demko had a tough time in November, going 2-3-1 with a 3.73 GAA and .886 SV%. Despite losing three straight starts, Demko has some spot-start appeal with the Senators in town.

Thatcher Demko
Demko will start Monday in Philadelphia.

Demko surrendered five goals on 23 shots in the Canucks loss to the Avalanche on November 15th. Jacob Markstrom has started the last three games but Demko will go head-to-head with Carter Hart on Monday. He's played well this season but has allowed at least three goals in three straight games, posting an .883 SV% during that span. He's been good on the road, going 2-2-0 with a 2.23 GAA and .926 SV% in four games.

Thatcher Demko
DeBrusk (lower-body) will be a game-time decision on Tuesday.

DeBrusk has missed the last five games with a lower-body injury but skated on the third-line in Monday's practice and head coach Bruce Cassidy anticipates him playing on Tuesday. However, he is still listed as a game-time decision so monitor his status during tomorrow's morning skate in New Jersey.

Jake DeBrusk
Hronek (undisclosed) will be a game-time decision on Thursday.

Hronek, who finished Tuesday's game in Anaheim, missed Thursday's morning skate and is questionable to play in Los Angeles. Head coach Jeff Blashill did not rule out the potential of Hronek playing tonight, so monitor his status as the Red Wings hit the ice for warmups.

Filip Hronek
Demko will start Tuesday vs. the Predators.

Demko allowed three goals on 34 shots in the Canucks loss in Winnipeg last Friday. Demko has played very well in his first six appearances and has earned some more playing time beside Jacob Markstrom. Demko enters Tuesday's matchup tied for second in the NHL in GAA (1.99) and tied for third in SV% (.933). It's not a great matchup but the Predators are a pedestrian 3-3-1 on the road this season.

Thatcher Demko