Vancouver Canucks goaltender Kevin Lankinen delivered a steady performance in his return to the net Saturday night, making 21 saves in a hard-fought 2-1 overtime loss to the Los Angeles Kings at Crypto.com Arena.
The 29-year-old netminder, who had missed Vancouver's previous two games for personal reasons, provided the stability his team needed in the second half of back-to-back contests. Despite the final result, Lankinen's composure under pressure gave the Canucks a chance to secure points against a Pacific Division rival.
Lankinen's Calm Presence in Crease
Lankinen's signature calm demeanor was on full display throughout the contest, particularly during a first-period sequence where he made three consecutive saves during a chaotic goalmouth scramble. His ability to maintain focus amid the pressure set the tone for his 21-save performance, giving his team confidence despite playing their second game in as many nights.
This outing represented a positive step forward for Lankinen, who entered the game with a 4-7-2 record, 3.50 goals-against average, and .881 save percentage this season. The performance harkened back to his impressive 2024-25 campaign when he won his first 10 road starts, eclipsing an NHL record previously shared by Glenn Hall and Cam Talbot.
Kane's Mixed Night Features Goal and Penalties
Vancouver native Evander Kane experienced a rollercoaster evening, contributing both positively and negatively to the Canucks' efforts. The 34-year-old winger scored Vancouver's lone goal on a breakaway shortly after exiting the penalty box, snapping a shot short-side to tie the game 1-1 in the second period.
However, Kane's offensive contribution was tempered by continued discipline issues. He took two minor penalties in the second period—for hooking and high-sticking—bringing his season total to 44 penalty minutes, which ranks eighth highest in the NHL. The pattern of infractions has become concerning for the Canucks, who acquired Kane from Edmonton last June hoping he would provide physicality without excessive time in the sin bin.
Kane finished the game with three shots on goal and eight total attempts, nearly adding a second goal during a third-period scramble in the Kings' crease.
Video Reviews Dominate Early Game Action
The first period featured an unusual flurry of video reviews, with three separate plays undergoing scrutiny from the Situation Room within the opening five minutes.
Elias Pettersson appeared to have scored a spectacular goal just 36 seconds into the game after an impressive rush off the wall and wraparound attempt. Video review determined the puck never completely crossed the goal line, wedged in Kings goaltender Anton Forsberg's equipment.
Later, a potential opening goal by Kings forward Trevor Moore was overturned due to an offside entry, and a deflection goal by Aatu Raty was also nullified when Jonathan Lekkerimaki was ruled offside before Quinn Hughes' point shot.
Despite the disappointment of his disallowed goal, Pettersson continued his recent strong play, recording 11 points (5 goals, 6 assists) in his last nine games while showing increased engagement and drive.
Lekkerimaki Earns Promotion Amid Roster Changes
Young forward Jonathan Lekkerimaki received a significant opportunity Saturday, jumping from the third line to the top unit alongside Elias Pettersson and Evander Kane. The promotion came as coach Adam Foote sought to spark his offense after Jake DeBrusk struggled through the first two periods.
The 21-year-old Swede, drafted 15th overall in 2022, responded with improved engagement and awareness, even earning time on the first power-play unit. While Lekkerimaki has just one goal in four games this season and four in 28 career NHL contests, his quick release and developing two-way game showed promise.
The Canucks were without forward Conor Garland, who sat out with an upper-body injury. Lekkerimaki's waiver-exempt status means he'll likely continue shuffling between the NHL and AHL as he works to establish himself as a consistent scoring threat.
Overtime Heartbreak for Vancouver
The game extended to a wild five-minute overtime session before Los Angeles finally broke through with 1:02 remaining. The winning sequence began with the Canucks caught on an odd-man rush against, leading to a Quinton Byfield shot and rebound that found Adrian Kempe in perfect position for the game-winner.
Despite the loss, Vancouver secured a valuable point in the standings thanks largely to Lankinen's strong return. The performance gives the team something to build upon as they continue their road trip and work to establish consistency in both their defensive structure and offensive production.
