Canucks takeaways: Lankinen, Cootes deliver encouraging performances

Quick answers

How did Kevin Lankinen perform in the game?

Kevin Lankinen made 27 saves during the game, showcasing solid goaltending despite the Canucks' eventual 3-1 loss to the Flames. He faced significant pressure, tracking pucks well and demonstrating strong reflexes on close shots, especially on opportunities from Martin Pospisil and Ryan Strome.

What will be the next step for Braeden Cootes?

Braeden Cootes has shown promise in pre-season games, contributing to all three goals scored by the Canucks this pre-season. As a 19-year-old drafted in the first round, he is eligible to play in the AHL, which the Canucks might consider for further development.

Lankinen shines despite team struggles

Kevin Lankinen stood out as the Vancouver Canucks fell to the Calgary Flames 3-1. In a challenging matchup, Lankinen made 27 saves, including key stops that demonstrated his readiness for the upcoming season. He is expected to step in as the starter for the Canucks with Thatcher Demko sidelined.

Lankinen’s performance included a series of high-pressure saves. He effectively tracked the puck through traffic and remained composed during bursts of offensive play from Calgary. This game provided a critical opportunity for him to prepare for the regular season.

Cootes continues to impress

Nineteen-year-old Braeden Cootes showcased his potential yet again in this pre-season outing. He provided an assist on Arshdeep Bains’ goal, his third point in two exhibition matches. Cootes’ ability to read the game and make sharp plays was evident when he set up Bains with a creative feed.

After turning heads last year as the first Canuck in 25 years to make the roster as an 18-year-old, Cootes is determined to make a bigger impact this season. His strong pre-season performances could influence management’s decision about whether he remains at the NHL level or transitions to the AHL.

Canucks showing promise amid competition

The Canucks faced a Flames team filled with players expected to secure roster spots. This context added pressure to the younger Canucks, who displayed resilience, especially in the later stages of the game.

While the loss is not ideal, the team’s improvements in specific areas, particularly Lankinen’s performance and Cootes’ contributions, offer encouragement as the Canucks refine their lineup before the regular season begins.

Assessing the overall performance

The game illustrated the gaps in experience that the Canucks must address, particularly as they navigate through pre-season matchups against established teams. The coaching staff will likely focus on maximizing the growth of younger players like Cootes and ensuring that Lankinen is ready to handle the starting role heading into the new season.

For related context, see recent NHL line usage and NHL trade coverage.

Reporting for this story draws on Sportsnet.

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