Copyright Yardbarker
Vancouver Canucks Head Coach Adam Foote met with the media ahead of Sunday’s game against the Colorado Avalanche and provided an update regarding his goaltending situation for this evening: “Lanks [Kevin Lankinen] is playing tonight,” said Adam Foote. Lankinen started on Saturday night against the Columbus Blue Jackets. After stopping 11 shots in the first period, Lankinen allowed three goals through the final two periods en route to a 4-3 regulation win. With the uncertainty of Thatcher Demko and his situation, Foote shared that Lankinen did not know he was going to start again tonight. However, he was preparing as if he was going to play, as that’s what the team asked him to do. Demko last appeared on Monday against the Nashville Predators. He stopped 25 of 29 shots in Vancouver’s 4-3 overtime win. He served as the backup for Lankinen two nights later against the Chicago Blackhawks, but was then absent from Friday’s practice. His Head Coach later shared that taking time off amid a demanding schedule during an Olympic year was something they discussed in the offseason to better protect Demko’s long-term health. While he might not be in game shape just yet, Foote confirmed that Demko has skated both Saturday and Sunday, and is optimistic about him returning on Tuesday against the Winnipeg Jets: “I’d love to tell you, you guys want me to be honest, but then if I’m honest, then you might give it to me if he doesn’t play Tuesday. But for me, it looks like he will, so I’ll deal with that if he doesn’t later.” Foote mentioned that he believed there would be a chance Demko would play tonight, but that taking the more cautious approach and giving him one more full night off is something they believe will help the star netminder condition himself for what is a gruelling season. Jiri Patera will serve as Lankinen’s backup for the second consecutive night against the Avalanche.
