Predators’ Kevin Lankinen Comes Up Clutch Against His Former Team

Though his 17-14-5 record may not have shown it, Kevin Lankinen’s career got off to a promising start with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2020.

Lankinen, who was in the Calder Trophy conversation for much of the season, faced the third-most shots (1,204) and made the third-most saves (1,095) in the NHL that year, and he ranked 14th in save percentage (.909) for the lowly Blackhawks, who finished with the 10th-fewest wins in the COVID-shortened 2020-21 season.

And after the following year — in which the Blackhawks surrendered goals in bunches and just three teams offered their goaltenders less goal support than they did — Lankinen found himself looking for a new employer after a disappointing Year 2 (8-15-6 record, .891 save percentage, 3.50 goals-against average).

Fortunately for him, former Nashville Predators general manager David Poile had a soft spot for Finnish goalies and he just happened to have a need for a backup goaltender. Fast forward a little over a season and a quarter later, and Lankinen has not only established himself as one of the more reliable backups in the NHL, he’s also salvaged his career.

Lankinen made his third start of 2023 Saturday at Bridgestone Arena, and it just happened to come against his former team. It was his first time facing Chicago since he joined the Predators last season.

The 28-year-old Finn not only earned the win in the 4-2 Predators victory, he also held rookie phenom Connor Bedard without a goal for just the third time in his last eight games. He also became only the second backup goaltender this year to keep Bedard from putting one in the back of the net (Boston’s Jeremy Swayman was the other).

“I would be lying if I said it wasn’t a little extra special,” Lankinen said of beating his former team. “Obviously, Chicago will always have a special place in my heart. That was the place where they gave me the opportunity to fulfill my boyhood dream to play in the NHL, and I spent four years there, so I created a lot of friendships and a lot of connections with people. The city of Chicago is amazing and the organization is great. Those were some great memories, but I’m happy to be on this side tonight.”

Lankinen turned away 29 of 31 shots, including two saves a piece on the power play and penalty kill. It was his second win of the season and his 11th in 21 starts since joining the Predators.

“I think he kept us around a little bit early and he was rock solid for the rest of the game,” head coach Andrew Brunette said. “So, I’m sure he’s feeling good. It’s nice to see him get in there. It’s been a while, so to see him come in as sharp as he was, credit to him to be ready at any time.”