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PITTSBURGH — Thatcher Demko is getting closer. Game Ready Ice

The Vancouver Canucks’ No. 1 netminder was on the ice again Tuesday at PPG Paints Arena, as his teammates prepared to face the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Demko has been out of the lineup since injuring his leg or hip Dec. 3. The initial prognosis was he’d be out four to six weeks, but six week would be Saturday and Demko isn’t yet ready to make a return, coach Bruce Boudreau acknowledged.

“He must be getting closer. I would think. I hope,” Boudreau said.

Demko skated after the Canucks’ practice on Monday and then was on the ice during a very optional morning skate Tuesday, doing rehabilitation work with Canucks director of goaltending Ian Clark.

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