Demko's 48-save shutout helps Canucks force Game 7

The Vancouver Canucks avoided elimination for the second straight game on Thursday, defeating the Vegas Golden Knights 4-0 in Game 6.

After turning aside 41 of 42 shots in Game 5, Vancouver netminder Thatcher Demko blanked the Golden Knights by denying all 48 of their shots. He became the first rookie goalie to win each of his first two career NHL playoff starts when his team was facing elimination since Jacques Plante in 1953, according to Sportsnet Stats.

He also set the record for the most saves from a rookie in a playoff shutout.

"That’s hockey. It’s the best sport in the world for that reason, there’s a lot of ups and downs," Demko said of his team's gutsy win. "Backs against the wall, our guys are stepping up, but the job isn’t done yet.”

There was a much better pace to the Canucks' game immediately in Game 6 compared to Game 5. Jake Virtanen opened up the scoring for Vancouver minutes into the first period. Then after a bit of a sloppy start, Vegas picked up its play and started to increase the pressure.

Vegas continued to control much of the play during a scoreless second period. The Golden Knights outshot Vancouver 17-7 in the frame while holding a 68 Corsi For percentage. Counting back to the end of the first period, Vancouver nearly went 20 minutes straight without a shot on goal. But Demko stood tall, even with Vegas controlling the puck often.

Following an impressive solo effort from rookie defenseman Quinn Hughes to open up the third period, J.T. Miller was able to score and put the Canucks ahead by two. Minutes later, Hughes wired home a slap shot, adding to the lead. Bo Horvat ended up scoring an empty-netter to cement the victory.

After dropping two straight games, Vegas netminder Robin Lehner isn't downplaying his performance. With Marc-Andre Fleury rested and ready, it's unclear which goalie will start the pivotal Game 7.

"Whoever plays, plays. If I get to play, I'll do my best," Lehner said, according to NHL.com's Danny Webster. "I feel good out there. It's just the bounces aren't going our way right now."

Demko, who looked visibly exhausted toward the end of Game 6, isn't worried about possibly playing Game 7 on such short rest.

"The only difference will be I might not skate tomorrow. That's how college was for me," Demko said, according to Webster. "It's nothing new for anyone in pro hockey. We've just got to prepare the same way."

Game 7 is set for 9 p.m. ET on Friday, according to The Athletic's Jesse Granger.