Canucks: Lankinen Starts Against Avalanche, Demko Could Face Jets
Kevin Lankinen will start for the Vancouver Canucks tonight against the Colorado Avalanche, marking his second straight appearance. Thatcher Demko, who skated on Sunday morning, could return to action on Tuesday when the Canucks meet the Winnipeg Jets.
Goaltender Jiri Patera has been recalled and will back up Lankinen in tonight’s matchup at Rogers Arena. The Avalanche, powered by the dominant duo of Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas, have combined for 21 goals and 42 points this season and recently defeated the Edmonton Oilers 9–1. Colorado enters the game with a strong 9-1-5 record.
Lankinen also recorded consecutive starts last season, making 23 saves in a 4–2 loss to Montreal on March 11, followed by 20 saves in a 4–3 win the next night in Calgary. He’ll once again face a high-scoring lineup eager to test him.
“Thatcher felt good, he had a good day,” said head coach Adam Foote on Sunday. “For me, it looks like he will play Tuesday, and I’ll deal with it later when you guys get mad at me if he doesn’t.”
Demko’s careful rest is part of a strategy to manage the demanding schedule ahead, which includes Tuesday’s home matchup against the Jets and a three-game road trip through the Southeast beginning Friday in Carolina.
Author’s Summary
Lankinen starts again for Vancouver as Demko nears a return ahead of a tight schedule featuring a test against the Jets and a challenging road stretch.