Tue Jan 13 00:40:00 UTC 2026: Headline: Injury-Riddled Canucks Face Canadiens; Key Players Return Amidst Roster Turmoil

The Story:
The Vancouver Canucks and Montreal Canadiens are set to face off tonight, January 13, 2026, with both teams dealing with significant injury woes. The Canucks are particularly hard-hit, with starting goalie Thatcher Demko out for at least a week after an injury sustained during a 5-0 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs. This has led to the emergency recall of Nikita Tolopilo from the AHL to start in net. Forward Conor Garland is set to return after missing five games with an upper-body injury, providing a boost to the Canucks’ forward lines.

Meanwhile, the Canadiens are also contending with a lengthy injury list, including Patrik Laine, Kirby Dach, Jake Evans, Josh Anderson, and Alex Newhook. Despite the injuries, the projected lineups reveal a Canadiens team featuring notable players such as Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki.

Key Points:

  • The Canucks’ goalie, Thatcher Demko, is out with a lower-body injury, sidelining him for at least a week.
  • Nikita Tolopilo has been recalled from the AHL and will start in goal for the Canucks.
  • Conor Garland returns to the Canucks’ lineup after missing five games due to an upper-body injury.
  • Kiefer Sherwood‘s return timeline is uncertain, potentially ranging from one to three weeks.
  • The Canadiens have several key players injured, including Patrik Laine, Kirby Dach, Jake Evans, Josh Anderson, and Alex Newhook.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Canucks’ goaltending situation is precarious with Demko’s injury, placing added pressure on Tolopilo.
  • Garland’s return offers some relief for the Canucks’ forward depth, but the overall impact of the numerous injuries remains a concern.
  • The Canadiens, despite their own injury challenges, will look to capitalize on the Canucks’ weakened state.
  • The game highlights the physical toll of the NHL season, with both teams battling significant injury lists.
  • The performance of AHL call-ups like Tolopilo could be crucial for the Canucks in the short term.

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