Thatcher Demko’s 48-save shutout to force Game 7 was a very rare thing in NHL history

Over the last few days, Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko has become a household name and stamped his name into the NHL history books. Coming in relief of an injured Jacob Markström, Demko won Games Five and Six, stopping 90 of 91 shots. That includes a 48-save shutout in Game Six, which forced a Game Seven against a red-hot, first-seeded Vegas Golden Knights.

The 24-year-old’s career was pedestrian before. During parts of three regular seasons, Demko posted a 3.02 GAA in 37 career games. Now, he can say he did something that Hockey Hall of Famer Jacques Plante accomplished 67 years ago.

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Saves, saves, saves! Thatcher Demko forces Game 7 with his first playoff shutout pic.twitter.com/DyzwmvZa2I
— Vancouver #Canucks (@Canucks) September 4, 2020

Here are some amazing stats compiled by TSN, ESPN, Sportsnet, and the NHL that put into perspective just how amazing Demko’s two games of near hockey goalie perfection was.

For maximum effect, please play Timothy Thatcher’s WWE theme while reading NHL Thatcher’s unbelievable stats and records.

Thatcher Demko joined Jacques Plante (Game 6 of 1953 SF) and Steve Shields (Game 6 of 1997 CQF) as the third rookie goaltender in NHL history to post a shutout that evidently helped his team force a #Game7. #NHLStats #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/8jImx6pJKu
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) September 4, 2020

Among all goalies since 1955-56, Demko's 48 represent the most saves made by a goalie in a regulation shutout. 4 goalies have had more overall, but all came in 1-0 OT victories. Prior most? 47 by Curtis Joseph for STL in Gm2 of their 1993 Norris Division Semi-Final series vs CHI https://t.co/2GFy83BJ7q
— StatsCentre (@StatsCentre) September 4, 2020

Most saves in a shutout when facing elimination: NHL history
Dominik Hasek (BUF) Apr 7, 1994 70#Canucks Thatcher Demko: Thursday 48
Ed Belfour (DAL) Jun 8, 2000 48
Michal Neuvirth (PHI) Apr 22, 2016 44
— Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) September 4, 2020

Thatcher Demko is just the third goalie in team history to record a shutout when facing elimination, joining Kirk McLean in 1992 against the Jets and Richard Brodeur in 1984 against the Flames.
He is the first rookie goalie to record a playoff shutout in team history as well. pic.twitter.com/R5QNlDc3mU
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) September 4, 2020

Not only were Thatcher Demko's 48 SVs tonight in a defeat of the Golden Knights one of the highest official totals seen in a #StanleyCup Playoff shutout effort, it was also by far a record among rookie netminders. As this shows, he eclipsed the old mark on this list by a good 11 pic.twitter.com/mrzukC6ega
— StatsCentre (@StatsCentre) September 4, 2020

Yeah, um, that’s pretty good.

Now Demko has the chance to become a god if he can win Game Seven. It should be a good one.