Overview
- Thatcher Demko skated Saturday morning but will not play or back up against Columbus.
- Kevin Lankinen starts, with emergency recall Jiri Patera serving as the backup.
- Foote framed the decision as scheduled maintenance to manage Demko’s workload during a compressed stretch.
- Demko’s availability for Sunday’s game against the Avalanche was not confirmed.
- Lankinen is 2–4 with an .880 save percentage and is making consecutive starts for the first time this season, while Patera is set for his first NHL bench appearance since 2023–24.