The Vancouver Canucks’ success in the 2025-26 NHL season heavily depends on their goaltending duo of Thatcher Demko and Kevin Lankinen. Recognized for their capabilities, Demko and Lankinen have been praised as one of the league’s top tandems.
Thatcher Demko: A Strong Presence in Goal
Thatcher Demko, when healthy, is known for his impressive performances. The 2014 draft pick has shown that he can be a key player for the Canucks. Last season, he faced several challenges but managed to settle back in effectively.
The Importance of Health
Demko’s ability to play consistently is crucial for the team. He has historically played about 70% of games in seasons without major injuries. However, with the condensed schedule of this season, it is vital that he does not exceed 60 starts, especially with potential Olympic commitments.
Kevin Lankinen: The Capable Backup
Kevin Lankinen has stepped up as a reliable backup goalie. His performance last season helped keep the team in playoff contention, showing he can handle more than the typical backup load. With 51 games played in 2024-25, he provided significant support for Demko.
Shared Responsibilities
The management is adopting a 1A/1B strategy. Early in the season, Demko started against the Dallas Stars and Washington Capitals, while Lankinen took on the Chicago Blackhawks and Pittsburgh Penguins. This rotation is critical due to the challenging schedule ahead.
Impact of a Condensed Schedule
- Season includes Olympic commitments, leading to a crowded timetable.
- Vancouver faces multiple back-to-back games early in the season.
- 16 games in 31 days are scheduled in January leading up to the Olympics.
Such demands require both goaltenders to perform at their best to avoid the risk of injuries that can derail playoff aspirations.
Early Season Performance Metrics
As the 2025-26 season has just started, it’s important to evaluate both goalies’ performance stats:
| Goalie | Games Played | Save Percentage (SV%) | Goals Against Average (GAA) | High-Danger Saves |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thatcher Demko | More than 5 | .927 | – | 4th in high-danger SV% (0.891) |
| Kevin Lankinen | 3 | 0.883 | 3.60 | 30 high-danger saves (15th in high-danger SV%) |
Despite having fewer games, Lankinen is actively contributing with a considerable number of high-danger saves. With the season still young, both goaltenders’ performances will be determinant for the Canucks as they navigate through a challenging schedule and battle for playoff positions.
Conclusion
The dynamic between Thatcher Demko and Kevin Lankinen will be central to the Canucks’ ambitions this season. As they adapt to the rigorous schedule, their contributions in goal could very well dictate the team’s trajectory in the NHL standings.
