A Wobbly Beginning
If this was supposed to be the playoff series where Roberto Luongo would finally prove to one and all he is a big-time netminder, it hasn't started well.
In two games, the Chicago Blackhawks have pounded eight goals past the Vancouver netminder, who has been unable to protect one three-goal lead and one two-goal lead in the series so far.
Luongo has stopped 54 of 62 Chicago shots so far for a dreadful save percentage of .871, hardly the kind of statistical impression most were expecting Luongo to make in this series. He has faced 31 shots in each game, a fairly manageable number, yet he's proven vulnerable to rebounds and getting stuck deep in his crease.
Although he has been in the league since 1999, Luongo has played in only 19 playoff games, including last night's 6-3 loss to the Hawks. Many have argued that Luongo hasn't been on good teams throughout his career as the reason why he lacks significant career accomplishment, but that can't be said right now of a Vancouver team that looked terrific in the first round against St. Louis but has now already given up home-ice advantage.
If Luongo is going to be Canada's goalie for next year's Olympics, he's got to deliver in this spring's playoffs. Now, he and the Canucks head to Chicago for Games 3 and 4 where 22,000 fans will make it tough on any goalie.
Time for Luongo to deliver.
always love how hockey experts can simply a loss by attributing it to one player. Lets trade Thorton; push aside Luongo in the Olympics. Unless your name is Lalime and you are allowing stoppable goals, lets keep things in perspective. We consider shots on goal and not quality chances when reviewing a game IF we care to delve that far. Playoffs can be a peculiar beast with one save magnified and a performance simplified all too often.
Posted by: Brian Campbell | May 03, 2009 at 09:44 AM
He'll be the starting goaltender for Canada next year in Vancouver. You know, since Brodeur didn't get it done in the playoffs this year either.
Posted by: nugentmania | May 03, 2009 at 11:32 AM
Let's be honest about Canada's last team left - they were terrible for much of the season (with and without Luongo) and made a ton of hay beating up on lousy teams. Relative to Detroit, Anaheim, Pittsburgh, Washington, and Carolina, Chicago is a lousy, (but entertaining) young team.
Bottom line, Vancouver has had the easiest route so far and haven't exactly looked comfortable with Chicago's speed. They won't last 6 games with Anaheim or Detroit.
Posted by: JMac | May 04, 2009 at 09:42 AM
Right now, it's a no brainer.
Cam Ward is playing the best of any Canadian goalie. If I was the coach and had to win, he would be the guy.
Posted by: Gary | May 04, 2009 at 01:30 PM