Canucks: Lankinen Starts Against Avalanche, Demko Likely for Jets
Kevin Lankinen will start for the Vancouver Canucks tonight against the Colorado Avalanche, marking his second straight appearance. Thatcher Demko, who participated in Sunday’s morning skate, is expected to be available for Tuesday’s matchup with the Winnipeg Jets.
Lankinen also made consecutive starts last season, recording 23 saves in a 4-2 home loss to Montreal on March 11, followed by a 20-save performance the next night in Calgary to secure a 4-3 victory.
He faces a tough test tonight against Colorado’s in-form pairing of Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas, who have combined for 21 goals and 42 points. The Avalanche enter the game with a 9-1-5 record, fresh off a commanding 9-1 win over the Edmonton Oilers.
Meanwhile, Canucks coach Adam Foote noted that Demko’s recovery is carefully managed to prepare for a dense schedule that continues Tuesday against Winnipeg, followed by a quick three-game southeastern trip starting Friday in Carolina.
“Thatcher felt good, he had a good day,” Foote said 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.”
After Saturday’s 4-3 win over Columbus, in which Lankinen stopped 29 shots, he was unaware he’d be starting again so soon.
Author’s Summary
Lankinen starts again versus Colorado as Demko eyes a Tuesday return, with the Canucks balancing goalie workloads ahead of a demanding week.