Vancouver Canucks defeat Seattle Kraken 3-1 in preseason opener (Source: Imagn)

The Vancouver Canucks beat the Seattle Kraken 3-1 in a preseason game on Tuesday. Nils Hoglander and Filip Hronek scored two power-play goals, while Pius Sutter added an empty-net goal in the third period. Swedish prospect Jonathan Lekkerimaki stood out with two assists.

Canucks goalie Arturs Silovs, likely the starter this season, stopped 18 of 19 shots, while Seattle’s Joey Daccord made 17 saves before being replaced. The Kraken struggled to score and failed to capitalize on two power plays.

The game had some physical play, including fights between Logan Morrison and Vilmer Alriksson. Despite a late push, the Kraken couldn’t catch up, though, showing that the Canucks are ready for the upcoming season.

After the game, the Vancouver Canucks posted on X (formerly Twitter):

“Good start to the pre-season!”

Following the Vancouver Canucks’ post about their preseason start, NHL fans reacted on X.

“Just give Silovs the Vezina now,” one fan said.

“This is the first time since 2017 the #Canucks have won their first game of the preseason. What a game for Silovs and Lekkerimaki! Keep it up guys,” another fan commented.

“Wasn’t the prettiest of games, but I see some new skills being used. Arty is using his upper body more and the whole team was passing more, working as a team. Keep it up guys!!,” one X user commented.

Here are some reactions from fans on X regarding the Vancouver Canucks’ preseason performance:

“Wow, I loved the rush of tonight. Awesome game, guys,” a fan said.

“Silovs looks fu**ing insane. Lekkerimaki is NHL ready. Raty is a complete beast,” a fan commented.

“Come on Arty Let’s go Party! SILOVS!,” a fan tweeted.

Vancouver Canucks sign goaltender Kevin Lankinen to one-year deal

On Sunday, the Vancouver Canucks signed goaltender Kevin Lankinen to a one-year contract worth $875,000. General manager Patrik Allvin praised Lankinen’s experience and skills and mentioned that Lankinen will improve the team’s goaltending depth.

“Kevin is an experienced NHL player who will add to our depth in goal,” Allvin said (via NHL.com).

“He had a solid season last year in Nashville and has the size and skillset we like in a netminder. We look forward to getting him here to start working with our group.”

Kevin Lankinen played well for the Nashville Predators last season, appearing in 24 games and posting an 11-6-0 record. His goals-against average was 2.82, with a .908 save percentage.

Overall, Lankinen has participated in 112 NHL games and has spent most of his career with the Chicago Blackhawks and Nashville.