Canucks lineup notes: Lankinen returns, Garland out vs. Kings
Vancouver Canucks head coach Adam Foote announced a number of key lineup changes for the team’s Saturday night game against the Los Angeles Kings.
Per Canucks Insider, Foote shared that goaltender Kevin Lankinen is confirmed to start after a brief absence, while Aatu Räty, Jonathan Lekkerimaki, and Pierre-Olivier Joseph are set to dress. Forwards Lukas Reichel, and Conor Garland, as well as defenceman Elias Pettersson, were out of the lineup.
Things to note from pre-game media with Adam Foote today:
1. Aatu Räty in, Lukas Reichel out.
2. Garland out, Lekkerimäki in.
3. #25 Pettersson is out, PO is in.
4. Lankinen in, says he’s feeling good.
Lankinen’s return is good news for the team, which has seen a number of players carry the crease amidst injuries and absences. It was announced earlier this week that Lankinen would not travel with the team for their current road trip due to personal reasons, but it was later rumoured he would re-join the team on the road. Lankinen last played on November 23rd in a 5-2 loss to the Calgary Flames. He’s posted a 4-7-2 record across 13 appearances this season, posting a .880 save percentage and a 3.63 goals against average. Between his absense and Thatcher Demko remaining on the injured reserve, Nikita Tolopilo started both games this week, going 1-1 with a .892 save percentage and a 3.56 goals against average.Meanwhile, Garland’s absence from the lineup is sure to stir up questions as the Canucks continue to explore shopping their veterans on the trade market, but the 29-year-old forward is simply out with an injury Saturday. In fact, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, no trades are imminently in the works for Vancouver, with the team perfectly content taking their time right now. In Garland’s place, Lekkerimäki is slotting back in after a stint in the AHL. The 21-year-old made four appearances with the Canucks in October, putting up one goal across that span.
Elliotte Friedman provides an update on the #Canucks
He says there are no trades that are imminent and that the Canucks are willing to take their time.
🎥: Sportsnet
Räty returns to the lineup Saturday after being scratched on Wednesday, replacing Reichel. The Finnish forward has a goal and five assists in 22 games this season, while Reichel has just one assist in 14 games since the Canucks acquired him in October.
On the blue line, Joseph will play his tenth game as a Canuck on Friday, coming in for D Pettersson. Joseph has one assist in nine games, averaging 12:14 TOI a night, while Pettersson has appeared in 24 games with Vancouver this season, posting two assists.
Puck drops between the Canucks and the Kings at 7 pm from Crypto.com Arena.