Lankinen's Rise Could Force a Goaltender Out of Vancouver
Kevin Lankinen has emerged as a legit goaltender for the Vancouver Canucks, putting the team in an awkward situation with regards to their goalie depth.
NHL.com writer Kevin Woodley was on the Donnie and Dhali show today to discuss the team's goaltending situation.
He admitted that the Canucks are in a bit of a predicament. With how well Kevin Lankinen has played this year, he arguably has already earned a contract extension.
That would mean though, that the team would have to figure out a solution for Arturs Silovs, who will not remain waiver exempt for much longer.
Silovs has appeared in 7 games for the Canucks this season. He has a 1-4-1 record along with a miserable 4.11 goals-against-average and an ugly .847 save percentage.
Lankinen meanwhile has shouldered the starter's workload in Thatcher Demko's absence, putting up a 14-4-2 record across 21 games.
His underlying numbers are much better as well as he has 2.52 goals-against-average and a .912 save percentage.
He also is in a toe for the league lead in shutouts with three.
Demko meanwhile, has only just returned to the team and has started just one game, an overtime loss against the St. Louis Blues where he gave up 4 goals on 25 shots.
He will be getting the start in goal tonight though against the Boston Bruins, giving him another chance to earn his first victory of the season.
Assuming Demko can remain healthy, Silovs' future in Vancouver is uncertain at best, especially if Lankinen continues to impress.
Be sure to follow the team for the remainder of the season so see how this situation plays out.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 14 | 179 ANSWERS Lankinen's Rise Could Force a Goaltender Out of Vancouver Do you think the Vancouver Canucks will trade Arturs Silovs in order to make room for Kevin Lankinen on their roster long-term? | ||
| Yes | 133 | 74.3 % |
| No | 46 | 25.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
