Canucks: Kevin Lankinen gets net against Avalanche, Thatcher Demko possible for Jets

Canucks: Kevin Lankinen Starts Against Avalanche, Thatcher Demko Possible for Jets

Kevin Lankinen will make back-to-back starts tonight against the Colorado Avalanche at Rogers Arena. Meanwhile, Thatcher Demko, who skated on Sunday morning, is expected to potentially face the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday. Jiri Patera, recently recalled, will serve as Lankinen’s backup against the high-powered Avalanche.

Last season, Lankinen made consecutive starts with solid performances: 23 saves in a 4-2 home loss to the Montreal Canadiens on March 11, followed by a 20-save effort in a 4-3 win in Calgary the next night. Tonight, he faces a tough challenge from the Avalanche’s top scorers, Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas, who together have 21 goals and 42 points. The Avalanche currently hold a strong 9-1-5 record and are coming off a dominant 9-1 win over the Edmonton Oilers.

Canucks head coach Adam Foote emphasized the importance of keeping Demko rested amid a demanding schedule. The team faces a tough stretch starting Tuesday against Winnipeg, followed by a fast-paced three-game road trip in the Southeast Division starting Friday in Carolina.

“Thatcher felt good, he had a good day,” Foote said after Sunday's skate. “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 was unaware on Saturday night, after a strong 29-save performance in a 4-3 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets, that he would be starting consecutive games.

Summary

Kevin Lankinen is set for back-to-back starts to help manage Thatcher Demko’s workload ahead of a challenging schedule, with the Canucks preparing for tough upcoming games against the Avalanche and Jets.

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The Province The Province — 2025-11-10

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