Kevin Lankinen has been a revelation for the Vancouver Canucks, delivering game-stealing performances that spotlight his significance to the group’s success. His latest 32-save shutout towards the Boston Bruins showcased his composure below stress, notably within the face of high quality scoring possibilities from stars like David Pastrňák and Brad Marchand. This shutout, his second of the season, additionally marked a historic milestone as he grew to become the first Canucks goalie since 1996 to clean the Bruins of their area.
Associated: Canucks Information & Rumors: Hronek, Demko, Miller & Extra
Lankinen’s 8-0-0 document on the highway has elevated him to an elite tier, making him the fifth goalie in NHL historical past to start out a season with such a streak. His synergy with the Canucks’ defensive unit has been crucial to his success, as Vancouver’s disciplined play and shot-blocking efforts have supplied him with the assist wanted to thrive. Because the Canucks place themselves as playoff contenders, Lankinen’s stellar kind is proving to be a cornerstone of their rise, signalling a doubtlessly career-defining season for the goaltender and his group.
The Struggles of Silovs and the Solidness of Lankinen
On a latest phase of Halford & Brough within the Morning on Sportsnet 650, Mike Halford and Jason Brough delved into the Canucks’ goaltending state of affairs. The dialog centred across the struggles of backup Arturs Silovs, the significance of signing Lankinen, and the way this determination impacts Thatcher Demko’s workload upon his return. Right here’s a breakdown of their dialogue.
Silovs Struggles to Meet NHL Requirements
The hosts didn’t maintain again when assessing Silovs’ readiness for NHL play. Brough was blunt: “Yeah, I don’t even assume it’s value analyzing that a lot, to be completely trustworthy with you proper now. He shouldn’t be within the NHL proper now—he ought to be within the AHL.”
Associated: Canucks’ 3 Up, 3 Down: Miller, Pettersson, Brannstrom, Lacking Identification & Extra
This lack of readiness is clear in Silovs’ efficiency, the place he’s permitting a mean of 4 targets per recreation. Halford highlighted the problem for a goalie struggling to match the extent of mess around him: “Should you hand over 4 targets a recreation each recreation you play within the NHL, one thing’s up. You’re not making the saves that you simply’re purported to make.”
The twosome agreed that Silovs’ present struggles are as a lot about his play because the group’s defensive lapses.
The Canucks Are Grateful for Lankinen’s Stability
The dialog underscored how very important the Lankinen signing has been for the group. With out him, they might face vital dangers. First, even when Demko returns, Lankinen will guarantee they don’t overuse their star goalie. The Canucks’ tendency to overplay Demko has led to accidents up to now. He additionally gives a dependable different to forestall such situations. Second, Lankinen ensures the Canucks aren’t pressured to depend on Silovs or different less-proven choices like Arturs Patera.
As Brough put it: “Thank God they did exit and get Lankinen—not only for the beginning when Demko’s out, however for the remainder of the season. Even when Demko returns and he’s terrific, you continue to don’t wish to overplay him.”
The dialog mirrored on the psychological toll going through a younger goalie like Silovs. Halford famous, “I’ve been a goalie the place I’ve been enjoying on groups the place I’m over my head—it’s the worst feeling on the planet.”
Halford added that Silovs’ physique language and struggles to make routine saves may embolden opposing shooters, making him seem smaller within the internet regardless of his 6-foot-4 body.
The Backside Line: Lankinen Is the Security Internet the Canucks Wanted
Halford and Brough agree that the Canucks’ determination to signal Lankinen was a sensible one. With out him, they’d face a goaltending disaster with Silovs over his head and Demko doubtlessly overworked. Whereas the Canucks nonetheless want to handle their defensive points, Lankinen’s presence gives a measure of stability because the season progresses.
Associated: Coach Rick Tocchet Efficiently Reshaping Canucks Tradition
Shifting ahead, will probably be attention-grabbing to see how the Canucks handle Demko’s workload and whether or not Silovs can finally develop into an NHL-caliber goaltender. For now, the Canucks’ depth in objective owes rather a lot to 1 well timed acquisition.
