Thu Feb 27 02:50:00 UTC 2025: **Canucks Goalie Lankinen Expected to Shut Down Kings in Wednesday Night Matchup**
LOS ANGELES, CA – Despite a turbulent season, the Vancouver Canucks are heading into Wednesday night’s game against the Los Angeles Kings with confidence, largely due to the stellar play of goaltender Kevin Lankinen. The Swedish netminder has been a standout performer, helping the Canucks hold opponents to three goals or fewer in 11 of their last 13 games. Sports analyst Tony Sartori predicts this trend will continue against the Kings, who are favored to win but have struggled offensively in recent weeks.
Lankinen boasts impressive statistics this season, with a .907 save percentage and a 2.52 goals-against average in 35 appearances. His track record against the Kings is even more impressive: he’s undefeated against them with a .946 save percentage and a 1.35 GAA in two previous matchups. In those games, the Kings scored two goals or fewer.
Adding to the Canucks’ optimism, the Kings have ranked 20th in expected goals for per 60 minutes over the past 60 days, scoring three goals or fewer in 13 of their last 19 games. This defensive strength, coupled with Lankinen’s performance, has led to oddsmakers setting the Kings’ team total under at 3.5. While the Kings opened as -177 favorites, the line has shifted slightly to -173, reflecting Lankinen’s influence.
The total goals for the game is set at 5.5, with the under favored, given the strong defensive play of both teams and their respective goaltenders. Sartori suggests that the under is a strong bet, further emphasizing the expectation of a low-scoring game. The article includes promotional content for a sports betting site, Pinnacle.
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