After exiting late in the first period with what appeared to be a lower-body injury, Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko will not return to tonight’s game against the Panthers. The Canucks made the announcement via Twitter moments after the second period began.

Demko was injured on the Panthers’ third goal of the period:

Despite the score reading 3-0 in favour of the away team when he exited, Demko actually looked dialled in early in this one after his team turned in a poor start in front of him — making the injury even more frustrating.

Spencer Martin entered the game in relief of Demko late in the first and finished out the game. The Florida Panthers ended up taking this one by a final score of 5-1.

More to come.