Goaltender Kevin Lankinen was 13 years old when defenseman Tyler Myers was drafted in the first round, 12th overall, by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2008 NHL draft. Both helped the Canucks defeat the Philadelphia Flyers 3-0 last night in Philadelphia. Myers played in his 1000th NHL game and collected a beauty assist on a blind backhand pass to Brock Boeser directly in front of Flyers goaltender Samuel Ersson.
Lankinen stopped all 26 shots, some of the difficult variety, to become the first Finnish-born goaltender to earn a shutout in Canucks history.
Myers, speaking post-game to reporters, said, “It means a lot, more so to do it with this group. Thinking back to the summer and not knowing what it was going to be like, to be able to come back and do it (1000th game) with these guys, get a win – it was just a great night.”
Lankinen has been nothing short of stellar in his three games this season. Posting a .953 save percentage, a 1.28 GAA, and a 2-0-1 record is in Thatcher Demko territory. Yes, it’s a small sample, but it’s impressive nonetheless. Post-game, Lankinen told reporters, “I’m feeling comfortable, feeling confident, I’ve been feeling confident ever since I got here. Just knowing some of the guys and the guys have been really great, welcoming me and making me feel good and comfortable around everybody.”
Nils Hoglander and Kiefer Sherwood, his first as a Canuck, also scored for Vancouver.
J.T. Miller appeared to injure his left hand or arm right off the opening face-off and did go to the Canucks dressing room for a while. When asked post-game by Sportsnet’s Iain MacIntyre what happened. Miller’s reply dodged any indication of an injury: “I forgot my mouth guard for one shift.” So, he’s not going to say, but he was noticeably absent from the face-off circle for the rest of the night.
Both Thatcher Demko, and Dakota Joshua, were at the Canucks pregame skate. Demko was an observer, but Joshua skated with the main group in a non-contact jersey. There has been no indication of a return date for either, but Joshua could be two weeks or less.