Canucks Goaltending Update: Kevin Lankinen and Thatcher Demko
Kevin Lankinen will start for the second consecutive game tonight against the Colorado Avalanche at Rogers Arena. Thatcher Demko skated Sunday morning and may start against the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday.
Kevin Lankinen’s Recent Performances
Lankinen is returning to back-to-back starts, having previously done so last season. On March 11, he made 23 saves in a 4-2 home loss to the Montreal Canadiens, followed by a 20-save effort in a 4-3 win the next night in Calgary. Tonight, Lankinen faces a tough challenge from Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas, who together have 21 goals and 42 points. The Avalanche enter the game with a 9-1-5 record and are fresh off a 9-1 victory against the Edmonton Oilers.
Thatcher Demko’s Status and Coach's Comments
Demko's Sunday skate was promising as the Canucks prepare for an intense and packed schedule. They face Winnipeg on Tuesday and start a three-game southeastern road trip in Carolina on Friday, squeezed into four days.
“Thatcher felt good, he had a good day,” said Canucks head coach Adam Foote about Demko’s skate. “For me, it looks like he will [play] Tuesday, and I’ll deal with it later when you [media] guys get mad at me if he doesn’t.”
Backup Goaltender and Recent Game Recap
Jiri Patera, recently recalled, will back up Lankinen tonight. Lankinen recently led a 4-3 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets with 29 saves, though at the time he was unaware he would be starting consecutive games.
Author’s summary: Kevin Lankinen is set for back-to-back starts against a strong Avalanche team, while Thatcher Demko aims to return against the Jets amid a demanding stretch of games for the Canucks.