NHL: Edmonton Oilers at Vancouver Canucks - Source: Imagn — Quinn Hughes reflects on Canucks’ loss to Oilers and supports Kevin Lankinen’s performance (Source: Imagn)

Canucks $47.1M star makes his feelings known about goalie Kevin Lankinen after 7-3 thrashing by Oilers

Modified Nov 10, 2024 14:47 GMT

After a tough 7-3 loss to the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday, Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes shared his thoughts on the game and his teammate, goalie Kevin Lankinen. Hughes, who is signed to a six-year, $47.1 million contract, admitted the team fell short against Edmonton, especially in the third period when the Oilers scored four goals in under five minutes, forcing Lankinen to be pulled from the game.

Hughes acknowledged that the team didn’t play at the level needed to beat a strong opponent.

"Not just the third, probably didn't play where we need to play to beat a team like that," he said.

Hughes emphasized that the Canucks have been playing good hockey lately, but they didn’t show that form on Saturday. He encouraged the team to focus on getting better each day in practice.

When asked about Lankinen’s performance, Hughes was supportive.

"Yeah, I mean he's been so good for us and I thought he was good tonight still. I mean we didn't, we didn't really help him too much and he's been fantastic." Quinn Hughes. "So same thing for him, this new day tomorrow and just gotta wake up and, you know, get better and practice tomorrow and I think that's the mindset we should all have."

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Hughes added that the team didn’t give Lankinen much help in front of the net. Lankinen, who stopped 20 of 27 shots, now has a record of 7-1-2, with a 2.61 goals-against average and a .905 save percentage this season.

Vancouver faces the Calgary Flames on Nov. 12, where Lankinen could have a chance to bounce back if he starts.

Vancouver Canucks coach Rick Tocchet talked about Kevin Lankinen's performance

Vancouver Canucks coach Rick Tocchet also shared his thoughts on Kevin Lankinen’s performance. When asked if all seven goals were his fault, Tocchet praised Lankinen’s effort.

"Well, he’s a competitor. He hung in there." Tocchet said. "You know, it was 3-2. He made a couple of—I don’t know, there was an empty net, somehow he got a stick on it. So this guy’s a fighter. He’s the least of our problems."

Despite the loss, Tocchet sees Lankinen as a valuable part of the team.

Also read: “This ain’t the same team as last year”: Fans livid as Canucks get embarrassed in 7-3 defeat to Oilers