The Vancouver Canucks goaltending drama that lent a soap opera narrative to the regular season is rearing its head again as the team begins their quest for the Stanley Cup.
The team has chosen Roberto Luongo to start in goal Wednesday night as the Canucks face off against West Coast rivals the San Jose Sharks for Game 1 of the first-round playoffs.
Luongo was given the call after Cory Schneider did not recover in time from an undisclosed injury. Schneider did participate in the morning skate, but following practice Luongo announced he’d be in goal.
“I’m excited for it and excited to be playing some playoff hockey again,” Luongo told reporters from the locker room.
It was widely expected that Luongo would be traded during the regular season after Schneider replaced him as the starting goaltender last spring.
But Schneider was hurt last week during a game against the Chicago Blackhawks, and the Canucks have opted to give him more time to rest before jumping back into playoff action.
Luongo said they’ve been discussing the possibility of him starting all week, and that Schneider is “obviously progressing.”
“The decision was made that maybe it would be best to… rest him a few more days. For me it’s an opportunity and I’m excited for it,” he said.
Luongo played in goal during the last two regular season games – both losses.
Antti Niemi will start in goal for the Sharks in Game 1. Niemi tied with Niklas Backstrom for most NHL wins this season (24).
J.J. Guerrero, founder of Canuckshockeyblog.com, feels that the teams are evenly matched, with lots of veterans on both sides.
After what Guerrero calls an inconsistent season for the Canucks, he feels the team will come out on top in the first round.
“I like their chances. If they bring their A-game and they’re willing to work and they have a good chance to win the cup,” he said.
Guerrero acknowledges the fact Vancouver fans have spent the past few days wondering whether or not Schneider was going to get the start tonight, but speculation is a common – and popular – game for true fans to play.
“It’s just another day in Vancouver. We have to talk about our goaltending,” he said.
There are still tickets available for Game 1 and Game 2, with some seats are being offered at half price.
The discount applies to lower-bowl seats for the first two home games against the San Jose Sharks, decreasing some of the regularly $300 tickets to as low as $130.
They are available here for Game 1 and Game 2 using the password “ROUND1STAFF.”
