The Vancouver Canucks COVID-19 outbreak continues, with star goalie Thatcher Demko and forward J.T. Miller testing positive for the virus via rapid tests on Thursday.
Both players were held out of practice at Rogers Arena as the team awaits the results of further testing.
The Canucks (18-18-3) currently have a number of key pieces in the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol, including captain Bo Horvat, winger Conor Garland and backup netminder Jaroslav Halak.
Miller, 28, is Vancouver’s leading scorer with 39 points (12 goals, 27 assists) in 39 games this season.
Demko, 26, has a .917 save percentage and 2.62 goals-against average with a 17-14-0 record. He’s also set to represent the Canucks at the NHL All-Star game next month.
Vancouver is scheduled to host the Florida Panthers Friday in its first home game since Dec. 14.
Ehlers to IR
Meanwhile, Winnipeg Jets forward Nikolaj Ehlers has been placed on injured reserve after taking a knee-on-knee hit from Washington defenceman Dmitry Orlov.
The incident, which didn’t result in a penalty, occurred late in the third period of Tuesday’s 4-3 overtime loss to the Capitals.
WATCH | Orlov suspended for hit on Ehlers:
Washington Capitals defenceman Dmitry Orlov will have a hearing on Wednesday with the NHL’s Department of Player Safety after he collided with Winnipeg Jets’ forward Nik Ehlers in Tuesday night’s game. 1:23
Ehlers, who is tied for third on the Jets with 25 points, had to be helped off the ice.
Orlov was subsequently suspended two games by the NHL on Wednesday.
The Jets visit the Nashville Predators on Thursday before taking on the Boston Bruins and Pittsburgh Penguins this weekend.
Winnipeg sat fifth in the Central Division with a 17-12-6 record heading into the game in Music City.
Vegas forward Mark Stone enters COVID protocol
Vegas Golden Knights captain Mark Stone was placed into COVID protocol and will miss Thursday night’s game against the Montreal Canadiens.
Stone has 26 points (seven goals, 19 assists) in 23 games this season. He recorded an assist in Monday’s loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Vegas defenceman Nic Hague joins Stone in the protocol as he continues to recover from a wrist injury.
Vegas assistant coach Ryan Craig is out of protocol.
Stone missed time earlier this season with a lower-body injury.
The good news for the Knights is that winger Max Pacioretty (wrist surgery) is expected to join the team on its upcoming road trip. Defenceman Alec Martinez is also expected to be cleared to play next week.
The Knights begin a four-game road trip Monday at Washington.
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