Adam Foote offers clarity on Lankinen's leave and Demko's return, names starting goalie
Canucks head coach Adam Foote provided updates on both the team's two top goalies, as well as revealed that Nikita Tolopilo will be starting tonight.
The Vancouver Canucks are gaining some health back in their lineup as they begin this four-game road trip.
Thatcher Demko, who has been out since injuring his lower body on Nov. 11, has been cleared by the team's head coach, Adam Foote, and he'll travel with the team, although it's unclear whether he'll play in the four games.
What Adam Foote said about Kevin Lankinen's personal situation
Foote has also announced that there may now be an opportunity for Kevin Lankinen to rejoin the team on this road trip after he attended to some personal issues. In the meantime, the goaltenders in Vancouver remain in flux.
There has now been a fourth goalie to make their debut with the Canucks, and that man would be Nikita Tolopilo, who has now been called up and will start tonight.
Goalie Jiri Patera was bumped down, then brought back up due to the departure of Lankinen.
Why the positive injury news continued to filter in
There are some other positive developments on the injury situation. Nils Hoglander is supposed to be in Los Angeles on Saturday, along with Demko, and will go back to practising.
Foote also reported that the status of the other injured player, Teddy Blueger, was still up in the air because he was still being evaluated after the practice. There was an update on the status of Filip Chytil, too.
"I don't know how far he's gone. I know he's been on the ice a couple of times, which is a good sign. Getting back out there and the lights and the white ice and the motion. That's a good sign. But, you know, I still think it takes some time."
- Adam Foote
- Adam Foote
The Vancouver Canucks begin their road trip in California, facing the Anaheim Ducks. The Canucks swept the season series last year, winning three out of four games. The puck is scheduled to drop on Wednesday at 7:00 PM PT.
In a critical part of their schedule, the Canucks are hoping that the arrival of some much-needed help on this road trip can steady their lineup.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 26 | 165 ANSWERS Adam Foote offers clarity on Lankinen's leave and Demko's return, names starting goalie Are you feeling reassured that the Canucks will get their two top goalies back soon? | ||
| Yes | 75 | 45.5 % |
| No | 90 | 54.5 % |
| List of polls | ||