His status has changed. On Monday, the Canucks announced that they activated Demko from the injured reserve in their final, desperate bid for a playoff spot. He has not played since sustaining a lower-body injury against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Feb. 8.

The Wild Card math is getting tough for the Canucks. How a lack of centre depth and Thatcher Demko's return could play out down the stretch

NEWARK, N.J. -- Pius Suter ’s second goal of the game tied it with 36 seconds left in the third period, and Thatcher Demko made 22 saves in his first start in over a month for the Vancouver Canucks in a 4-3 shootout win against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on Monday.

The Devils and Canucks were tied at one after 40 minutes, setting up a big third period for two teams in search of a valuable win. Both teams with plenty to play for as we come down to the wire of the NHL's regular season.

Jonathan Lekkerimaki scored in regulation and got the deciding goal in the fourth round of the shootout, and the Vancouver Canucks beat the New Jersey Devils 4-3.

The Vancouver Canucks fought back from a late-game deficit to defeat the New Jersey Devils 4-3 in a shootout. Jonathan Lekkerimäki scored once in regulation, as well as the shootout winner, while Pius Suter scored twice in the victory.