The Vancouver Canucks may have fallen to the Calgary Flames in their recent preseason matchup, but the game offered significant takeaways for the team, particularly from goaltender Kevin Lankinen and nineteen-year-old centre Braeden Cootes. Lankinen, stepping in for the injured Thatcher Demko, showcased a strong performance, making 27 saves and demonstrating sharp focus despite facing numerous outnumbered rushes due to the Canucks' inexperience. His play was a bright spot in a game where the Flames, dressed in a lineup projected to make the NHL roster, ultimately secured a 3-1 victory.
Cootes, who has been involved in all three goals the Canucks have generated in their exhibition games, further impressed with his hockey sense and playmaking. He combined effectively with Arshdeep Bains, setting up a crucial goal in the third period that gave Vancouver a glimmer of hope. This performance builds on Cootes' notable debut last year, where he became one of the few 18-year-olds to make the Canucks roster out of training camp.
While the middle portion of the game was dominated by the Flames, the young Canucks squad showed resilience, pushing back in the third period. Lankinen's ability to make key saves, including point-blank stops on Calgary's forwards, was crucial in keeping the Canucks within striking distance. Cootes' offensive contributions, paired with Lankinen's goaltending, provide a positive outlook for the team as they continue to prepare for the regular season, especially with key players like Demko still recovering from injury.
