Canucks goalie Kevin Lankinen returned to action after stepping away for personal reasons, and he met with the media after the game to discuss it all. Under difficult circumstances, Kevin Lankinen returned to the Vancouver Canucks' crease Saturday afternoon after taking personal leave earlier in the week. Though he hadn't taken part in any full practices, only an abbreviated morning skate, <a href='https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/canucks-drop-low-event-game-vs-kings-despite-strong-lankinen-return/' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>he was calm and composed in a 2-1 overtime loss to the Los Angeles Kings</a>. He spoke about the whole situation after the game. All I want to say is I'm just really thankful to Adam and Patrik for offering me some time to stay with my family when they need me the most, Lankinen said. So I'm really thankful for that. I felt good out there. And that's what hockey is about - you've got to be able to perform. And I was happy to help the team. It's too bad we couldn't get the win. <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/imacSportsnet/status/1995163137197379788'><div style='border:1px solid #CCCCCC;border-radius:10px;padding:20px;width:300px;'>Loading from Twitter ...</div></a></blockquote></div> <h3>What Kevin Lankinen offered the Canucks during last night's game</h3> Lankinen made 21 of 22 saves through regulation, affording the Canucks stability on what was a low-event road game. The winner came on a broken play in overtime, as a shot bounced directly to Adrian Kempe and left Lankinen with no chance as he tried to regain position. I tried to do my best there, the goalie said. I don't really know. . . I'm not sure what happened there. I was just trying to throw something at (the shot). But I'm sure the league did their homework (on the review) and I trust their judgment. <a href='https://www.hockeylatest.com/nhl-team/vancouver-canucks/adam-foote-offers-clarity-on-lankinen-leave-and-demko-return-names-starting-goalie' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Head coach Adam Foote said earlier in the day that Lankinen was back with the team</a>, and GM Patrik Allvin indicated he expects the veteran goalie to finish the road trip with his teammates. His return came after AHL call-up Nikita Tolopilo handled the previous two games. The Vancouver Canucks didn't generate much offence but were sound defensively, yielding only a few quality looks to Los Angeles. Evander Kane scored the lone Canucks goal, jumping out of the penalty box and finishing a feed from Drew O'Connor early in the second period. <h3>How Kevin Lankinen gave his team a chance to win</h3> Lankinen made several big stops, among them a save on Trevor Moore, and Brock Boeser prevented another goal by lifting Kevin Fiala's stick on a dangerous rebound chance. The Vancouver penalty kill went a perfect four-for-four, though the power play remained cold after an 0-for-3 night. For a team dealing with injuries, inconsistency, and a grinding schedule, Lankinen's composed return was one bright spot. And after a week focused on family, the veteran's calm performance offered exactly the steadiness the Canucks needed.