Canucks: Lankinen Starts Again, Demko Possible for Jets
Kevin Lankinen will make his second straight start tonight against the Colorado Avalanche at Rogers Arena. Thatcher Demko, who resumed skating Sunday morning, may return to action Tuesday when the Vancouver Canucks face the Winnipeg Jets.
Jiri Patera, recently recalled, will serve as backup against the high-powered Avalanche lineup. Lankinen last started back-to-back games in March, when he recorded 23 saves in a 4–2 home loss to Montreal and 20 saves in a 4–3 win in Calgary the following night.
This evening, Lankinen will face a significant challenge from the red-hot duo of Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas, who have combined for 21 goals and 42 points. Colorado enters the matchup with a 9–1–5 record after routing Edmonton 9–1 on Saturday.
Demko Nearing Return
Head coach Adam Foote indicated that Demko could start against Winnipeg as the team heads into a demanding stretch of games, including a three-game southeastern road trip beginning 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.”
Lankinen, who made 29 saves in a 4–3 win over Columbus on Saturday, said he did not know that night he would be starting again so soon.
Author’s Summary
Lankinen gets a consecutive start against Colorado, while Demko, recovering and rested, is expected to return versus Winnipeg amid a busy stretch for Vancouver.