Vancouver Canucks goalie Lankinen takes over as Finland's starter -- here's what he said
Vancouver Canucks goalie Kevin Lankinen is getting the start in one of the biggest games of his career.
The 29-year-old will be in net when Finland takes on rivals Sweden for their second game of the 4 Nations Face-Off tomorrow. Both teams lost their first games, making this a do-or-die situation.
Finland is all-in, and they are backing Lankinen to get it done in the biggest moment.
“A dream come true,” said Lankinen about the opportunity. “That’s what every little kid is dreaming about, especially tournaments like this, not just playing against the best but representing your own country.”
Lankinen has come up huge for the Canucks so many times this season, helping them stay in the playoff hunt despite a long list of injuries and obstacles. This season has prepared him for tomorrow’s big game, or at least he hopes so.
“I like to think so. Not just the way I played this year but the preparation I put in all these years, last summer and the last couple of years, just to make sure whenever I get an opportunity, I’m ready to showcase my talent, and I feel confident and ready.”
Now, his national team will look for him to do the same in the ultimate pressure situation, although the netminder doesn’t seem fazed.
“There’s always pressure, no matter who we play, so I just focus on my own game. Doesn’t matter who we play; I’m just going to compete and do whatever I can.”
Facing off against Sweden means competing against a familiar face in Elias Pettersson. The two Canucks teammates have put their friendship on hold for this tournament and will now go head-to-head on the biggest stage.
“It will be a great challenge…not just Elias but the whole Swedish team. There’s some great talent over there, so it’s going to be a fun challenge.”
While the two haven’t been talking during the 4 Nations tournament, Lankinen revealed there was some banter about the big game back in Vancouver.
“We were actually on the same flight here, so we got to talk a little bit, and obviously, since they announced the teams, we’ve had some pretty good chats about this tournament. As of now, we’re not teammates for a week, but when we get back, we’ll talk more.”
Lankinen and Pettersson faced off against each other on the international stage in the 2019 World Championships. Pettersson scored on his now teammate, but Lankinen got the last laugh as Finland won 5-4 in overtime.
Puck drop for Sweden-Finland is at 10 am PT/1 pm ET tomorrow.