Rick Tocchet supports Kevin Lankinen as Vancouver Canucks’ starting goalie despite Thatcher Demko’s return (Source: Imagn)
Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet has made it clear that Kevin Lankinen will continue to play, even as Thatcher Demko nears his return from injury. After the Canucks’ 2-0 win against the Boston Bruins, Tocchet praised Lankinen’s strong performance.
“He’s (Lankinen) playing very well,” Tocchet said. “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, lives for the moment, game to game, which is what I love about him.”
"[Lankinen] was very good tonight. Saw the puck extremely well."
🗣 Head Coach Rick Tocchet discusses tonight's win over the Bruins.#Canucks | @theprovince pic.twitter.com/BYLCKnKTxj
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) November 27, 2024
Lankinen’s performance against Boston demonstrated why Tocchet has confidence in him. He made 32 saves, earning his second shutout of the season. His play helped the Canucks win three of their last five games. Tocchet called Lankinen the “First, Second and Third Star” of the game, noting his excellent saves.
“(Lankinen) was, you know, First, Second and Third Star,” Tocchet said (via NHL.com). “He was very good tonight. Saw the puck extremely well. … They’re tough saves he made tonight, really tough.”
Vancouver’s defense also played well, blocking 26 shots compared to Boston’s 11, which helped Lankinen’s effort.
Demko is close to returning after recovering from an injury sustained during last season’s playoffs.
“There’s still a lot of work to do, I think, but I feel really good. This is the best I’ve felt in seven-eight months,” Demko said (via yardbarker.com).
Despite this, Tocchet’s comments indicate that the Canucks are not looking to disrupt Lankinen’s strong play while Demko is out. For now, Tocchet’s support for Lankinen remains clear, and he points out that good performance will not be ignored.
Vancouver Canucks defeated the Boston Bruins with Lankinen’s effort and defense
The Vancouver beat the Boston Bruins 2-0 at TD Garden. Jake DeBrusk scored in his first game against his former team since joining Vancouver in July. He broke the tie at 5:53 of the second period on a power play, sweeping in a rebound after Conor Garland deflected a Quinn Hughes shot.
Garland secured the win with an empty-net goal at 19:47 of the third period. The Bruins had three power-play chances but couldn’t score. Elias Lindholm missed a late chance to tie the game.
Vancouver goalie Kevin Lankinen made 32 saves for the shutout. Vancouver’s defense blocked 26 shots, keeping Boston from capitalizing on opportunities. The Bruins have now lost four of their last six games. They will play the Penguins next on Wednesday.
