Demko Vs Lankinen: Vancouver Canucks Set to Make Playoff Defining Starting Goalie Decision
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Photo credit: Canucks Daily
As the Vancouver Canucks gear up for a hard fought battle with Columbus Blue Jackets on Friday, the team is in a tight spot when it comes to their chances at making the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and now head coach Rick Tocchet has a big decision to make.
Now that Vezina caliber goalie Thatcher Demko is seemingly fully back from his injury that kept him out since February 8th, he has been lights out in his two starts this road trip, but who is Rick Tocchet going to go with when Kevin Lankinen returns from his illness?
Thatcher Demko or Kevin Lankinen
When Thatcher Demko started the season on the injured list, it was up to offseason signee and career backup goalie Kevin Lankinen to step up and prove that he can be the number one guy for the Canucks.
And did he ever, in 46 starts, he has achieved an incredible 2.59 goals against average, a 24 and 14 wins/loss record as well as 0.901 save percentage, recently five-year contract extension worth $22.5 million USD ($4.5 million AAV).,
Something Demko goalie partner was very supportive of.
"Kevin deserved every penny of that contract for what he's done. He's a great guy, great teammate. I'm happy for Kevin. I've always been committed to this team and love being a Canuck. So it didn't change anything on my part." Demko said according to MacIntyre.
In Demko's absence, he has fully turned into the starter they were is desperate need of, but now that he is back, what does that mean for Lankinen?
Lankinen has been out for a couple games with an undisclosed illness, giving the spotlight back to Demko to prove he still has what it takes, but who does Rick Tocchet now choose for the most important games of the season.
"He's good, he had a good practice so he's available, we just wanted to get him some rest," says Rick Tocchet about Kevin Lankinen.
Does he ride with the hot hand of Demko, who has struggles in his other 17 starts this season, or does he go back to Lankinen who has been their rock for the entire year.
This question is bound to be answered tomorrow when the Canucks take on the Columbus Blue Jackets as every single remaining game is a do or die for their playoff hopes.
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