You never have to check Thatcher Demko for vital signs.

The driven Vancouver Canucks starting goaltender has a strong heartbeat to be a difference-maker, but his pulse is probably higher than normal with a zest to return to the net. A Zen-like approach to have body and mind in sync is part of that process.

Demko missed the last three games to ensure he’s well-rested and ready to resume a torturous condensed schedule. The Canucks have played 17 games jammed into 32 days, including a five-game road trip over eight days, and will play three games in four nights in an upcoming test of will and skill on a sojourn to Carolina, Tampa Bay and Florida.

Then it’s home for a pair of games before a four-game trip in seven days. It’s why rest and recovery have trumped practice days and why Monda

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