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“As a goalie group, this is the first look at traffic and trying to get that timing down — get the feel back.”

Goalie coach Ian Clark has a detail-oriented approach to the position that mirrors how Demko sees the game. And because he has all the pieces to be an NHL stopper, it’s putting everything together on a consistent basis.

“We’re making sure I work as efficiently as possible,” said Demko. “It’s making sure each movement is made as needed and getting into position a little bit quicker. I know I’m kind of in the middle position here (between AHL and NHL) and any opportunity, I’m going to run with it and you have to.

“I came into Vancouver 10 days early to be around the guys and connect with them more than the past. It’s being on the ice and seeing NHL releases and learning how to be a pro. I’m always taking things in.”

A wild whirlwind experience that led to Demko’s NHL regular-season debut at Rogers Arena on March 31 is burned into the memory banks. It started with a pre-game nap in Utica, a phone call and a 2:30 a.m. arrival in Vancouver to replace Nilsson, who had the flu and Markstrom, who had played seven of the previous eight games.

The end result was 26 saves in a 5-4 overtime matinee decision over the Columbus Blue Jackets, but what occurred between puck drop and Alex Edler’s winning goal was a blur. Two posts, a crossbar, fans chanting “That-cher Dem-ko” and then being beaten for three consecutive goals in the third period.

“It was such an amazing experience and seeing my whole life ambition come to fruition,” he recalled. “It’s was a huge moment for me and my family and the day was crazy.

“I had a blast and it was a 24-hour experience that I might see a lot of this year — who knows? I had chills during that game and I felt like I belonged.”

bkuzma@postmedia.com

Twitter.com/benkuzma

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