Lankinen’s 37 Saves Propel Canucks Past Kraken in Shootout

The Vancouver Canucks triumphed over the Seattle Kraken in a thrilling shootout, largely due to the stellar performance of goaltender Lankinen. He recorded an impressive 37 saves and successfully stopped all three attempts during the shootout. This victory marks a significant milestone, as Lankinen remains a perfect 17-for-17 in shootout situations this season.

Lankinen’s Performance Shines in Shootout

Lankinen expressed his confidence after the match, stating, “My confidence has always been good. I enjoy those moments when it’s my turn to help the team win.” This win was crucial for the Canucks, who had previously faced two losses after a four-game winning streak, improving their record to 16 wins, 19 losses, and 3 overtime losses.

Game Highlights

• First Period: The Kraken took an early lead at 8:50 with a goal from Jared McCann during a 4-on-3 power play, assisted by Vince Dunn.
• Tying Goal: The Canucks equalized at 15:20 when Linus Karlsson scored, following a setup from Ohgren during a face-off near the Kraken’s goal.

McCann’s early goal showcased the Kraken’s offensive strategy, but the Canucks responded effectively to level the game. Karlsson described the play, noting, “I saw it was a loose puck… and I just waited for it.”

Coaching Insights

Seattle coach Lane Lambert acknowledged the team’s effort, stating, “We played a good hockey game. We had some real chances to score in regulation.” Despite the defeat, Lambert remains optimistic, emphasizing that consistent performances will lead to success.

For the Kraken, this loss ended a four-game winning streak, dropping their record to 16 wins, 14 losses, and 7 overtime losses. Joey Daccord made 22 saves during the match, displaying solid goaltending despite the final outcome.

Conclusion

The Canucks’ recent victory reinforced Lankinen’s status as a key player. With his exceptional save percentage in shootouts, fans can look forward to more thrilling performances in the upcoming games. This match highlights the competitiveness of the Pacific Division and sets the stage for future encounters between these two teams.