Kevin Lankinen has been a surprise star for the Vancouver Canucks so far this season.
The 29-year-old has been unbelievable in net and put together another impressive performance last night with a 32-save shutout over the Boston Bruins.
With Vezina-caliber goalie Thatcher Demko on the cusp of returning from injury, general wisdom might dictate that Lankinen’s days leading the Canucks are numbered, no matter how well he’s been playing.
That might not be the case.
“He’s playing very well,” said head coach Rick Tocchet last night. “He’s been great for us so he’s going to continue to play for us.”
“He’s not going to sit on the bench, I’m nuts if I sit him on the bench. He’s been terrific.”
Lankinen’s record on the season now sits at 10-3-2. He’s already recorded two shutouts and has a strong .909% save percentage.
The Finnish netminder has elevated his play away from Rogers Arena and boasts a perfect 8-0-0 road record. He’s just the fifth goalie in NHL history to begin a season with eight straight wins away from home.
“That’s been my goal all year, come in, be ready for the challenge, whatever they throw at me,” said Lankinen to Sportsnet’s Dan Murphy last night. “Thankful for being able to help the team win here.”
This is the best case scenario for the Canucks. There is no pressure on Demko to rush himself back as Lankinen is providing excellent starts. When Demko is ready to take the ice again, the Canucks can give him plenty of rest and keep a close eye on his workload.
The two goalies also get along well according to the newcomer.
“It’s been great. Everybody has been so welcoming here ever since day one,” continued Lankinen. “It’s been an easy adjustment, even the coaches, Demko, Silovs, have been great dudes.”