Canucks: As Lankinen falters in the net, do struggling goalies matter?

The tanking Leafs got competent goaltending in 2015-16. This season's Canucks need more from Kevin Lankinen.

The Province

Published: Thursday, 29 October 2026 at 11:28 PM

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The Province explores whether Kevin Lankinen's goaltending struggles harm the rebuilding Vancouver Canucks.
The writer argues that poor goaltending aids draft lottery odds but risks damaging team morale.
Former Maple Leafs data analyst Rob Pettapiece noted stable goaltending prevented demoralizing blowouts during Toronto's rebuild.

The Story in 60 Seconds

The Province analyzes whether Kevin Lankinen's early-season struggles in net truly hurt the Vancouver Canucks during an apparent rebuilding season. While poor goaltending may aid draft lottery positioning to target prospect Landon DuPont, the article cautions that persistent struggles can harm locker-room morale and team confidence.

Drawing comparisons to past rebuilding efforts by the Toronto Maple Leafs, the writer highlights the value of having stable goaltending to prevent demoralizing blowouts. The piece notes general manager Ryan Johnson's preseason acquisition of young goaltender Leevi Meriläinen as a potentially important move for the franchise's long-term future.

Read the full article on The Province

Canucks: As Lankinen falters in the net, do struggling goalies matter?

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