Canucks: Kevin Lankinen Starts Against Avalanche, Demko May Face Jets
Kevin Lankinen will make back-to-back starts for the Canucks tonight against the Colorado Avalanche. Thatcher Demko skated Sunday morning and might start against the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday. The recalled Jiri Patera will back up Lankinen at Rogers Arena.
Lankinen previously started two games in a row last season, stopping 23 shots in a 4-2 home loss to the Montreal Canadiens on March 11, followed by a 20-save effort in a 4-3 win over Calgary the next night. Tonight, he faces a formidable Avalanche lineup led by Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas, who have combined for 21 goals and 42 points this season. Colorado holds a 9-1-5 record and is coming off a 9-1 win over the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday.
Coach Adam Foote on Demko's Status
To keep Demko rested for a demanding schedule—including Tuesday’s game against Winnipeg and a packed three-game road trip starting Friday in Carolina—Canucks head coach Adam Foote commented on Demko's potential return:
“Thatcher felt good, he had a good day. 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.”
Lankinen, after a 29-save performance in Saturday’s 4-3 victory over Columbus, was unaware he would be starting consecutive games.
Upcoming Schedule Challenges
- Tuesday: Canucks vs. Jets
- Friday onward: Three-game southeastern road trip in four days starting in Carolina
This tight schedule highlights the coaching staff’s strategy to balance goaltender workload effectively.
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