Canucks: Lankinen Starts vs. Avalanche, Demko May Return Against Jets
Kevin Lankinen will start again tonight for the Vancouver Canucks against the Colorado Avalanche, marking his second consecutive appearance. Thatcher Demko, who practiced Sunday morning, could return to action on Tuesday versus the Winnipeg Jets.
Jiri Patera, called up from the minors, will serve as backup this evening at Rogers Arena. The Avalanche come into the matchup on a strong run, led by Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas, who have totaled 21 goals and 42 points while guiding their team to a 9-1-5 record. Colorado is also coming off a commanding 9-1 win over the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday.
Lankinen last made consecutive starts in March of last season, recording 23 saves in a 4-2 home loss to Montreal on March 11, followed by 20 stops in a 4-3 victory in Calgary the next night. He’ll face another tough test tonight from the Avalanche’s high-powered offense.
“Thatcher felt good, he had a good day,” head coach Adam Foote said 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.”
The Canucks are managing a demanding schedule, with Tuesday’s contest against Winnipeg followed by a three-game southeastern trip in four days starting Friday in Carolina. Resting Demko could be crucial for maintaining performance through this stretch.
Author’s Summary
Lankinen starts again for Vancouver as Demko nears a possible Tuesday return, while the Canucks brace for a tight schedule ahead.