Canucks’ Kevin Lankinen to get start for Finland on Saturday against Sweden

Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images

Vancouver Canucks netminder Kevin Lankinen will start in goal for Finland against Sweden on Saturday at the 4 Nations Face-Off.

Through 34 appearances with the Canucks this season, the 29-year-old Helsinki native has posted a 19-8-7 record alongside a .905 save percentage, 2.53 goals-against average, and four shutouts. Through it all, Lankinen set an NHL record in becoming the first goaltender to start a season with 10 consecutive road victories.

A veteran of 146 contests counting stops with the Chicago Blackhawks, Nashville Predators, and Canucks, Lankinen owns a 65-51-19 career record coupled with a .905 save percentage, 2.94 goals-against average, and seven shutouts.

After going unselected in the NHL Draft, Lankinen originally joined the Blackhawks in 2018 as a free agent. Lankinen then joined the Canucks last offseason, agreeing to a one-year, $875,000 deal in free agency. Lankinen is eligible to test unrestricted free agency again this upcoming offseason.

Prior to the 4 Nations Face-Off, Lankinen has previously joined Finland in international competition including the 2019 IIHF World Championship that saw him pick up key victories over Canada and Russia and ultimately wrap up the tournament with 7-1-0 record alongside a .942 save percentage and 1.50 goals-against average en route to a gold medal victory.

For the Finns, Lankinen shifts into the starter’s role following Thursday’s debut at the 4 Nations Face-Off in which Nashville Predators netminder Juuse Saros turned aside 26 shots in a 6-1 loss to Team USA.

Like Lankinen, Saros has previously seen success with Finland in international competition, underscored by a first place finish at the 2014 World Juniors in which he led all goaltenders with a .943 save percentage and 1.57 goals-against average. The 29-year-old native of Forssa, Finland has also twice captured silver at the IIHF World Championship.

Following Saturday’s showdown against rival Sweden, the Finns will close out round robin action at the 4 Nations Face-Off against Canada on Monday.