Canucks: Lankinen Starts vs Avalanche, Demko Eyes Return for Jets
Kevin Lankinen will start again tonight for the Vancouver Canucks as they host the Colorado Avalanche. Thatcher Demko, who practiced on Sunday morning, is a potential starter for Tuesday’s matchup against the Winnipeg Jets.
Lankinen, recalled goaltender Jiri Patera backing him up, will make his second consecutive start at Rogers Arena. The Avalanche bring a powerful offense featuring Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas, who have combined for 21 goals and 42 points this season. Colorado is 9-1-5 following a 9-1 rout of the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday.
Lankinen last started back-to-back games in March 2024, recording 23 saves in a 4-2 home loss to Montreal before a 20-save effort the next night in Calgary, earning a 4-3 win. Saturday, he made 29 saves in a 4-3 victory over Columbus, unaware he would start again tonight.
“Thatcher felt good, he had a good day,” said head coach Adam Foote after Sunday’s practice. “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.”
Foote emphasized that Demko’s recovery and rest are being carefully managed, as the Canucks face a condensed schedule including a three-game southeastern road trip starting Friday in Carolina.
Author’s Summary
Lankinen earns consecutive starts as the Canucks face the Avalanche, while Demko prepares for a possible Tuesday return against the Jets amid a demanding schedule.