Roberto Luongo did not expect to start last night for the Vancouver Canucks. He did not expect to ever play another minute for the NHL team that he was once the shining star of. But, after recording a 3-0 shutout against the Colorado Avalanche and earning the start for Friday's upcoming game, Luongo is raising even more questions about the starting goalie competition that is heating up in Vancouver.
Luongo officially lost his starting goalie spot to backup Cory Schneider three games into last year's Stanley Cup playoffs. At that point, Luongo figured he had worn the Canucks' jersey for the last time. He agreed to waive the no-trade clause in his contract and waited to hear where he would land next. However a trade was never able to be put together and Luongo returned for the start of the 2013 season to sit on the bench as Schneider took over the No. 1 goalie position.
Schneider was pulled from the goal on opening night as the Canucks were blown out in Anaheim, but has played decent ever since, going 2-2 so far on season. However, Luongo's performance in his second-straight start Wednesday against Colorado increases the debate of who really should be sitting in the goal when the opening whistle blows.
Luongo was barely even tested against Colorado. He proceeded to make 24 saves in the 3-0 shutout win, which only increases his franchise record for wins (225) and shutouts (33). Luongo lost his first two starts this season in shootouts and told media after the game that it was just nice to get a win for the team.
Vancouver faces the one-loss Chicago Blackhawks on Friday and Luongo has officially been announced the starter for the rivalry game. Vancouver decided to give the starting position to the guy with the hottest hand at the moment. He is averaging a .938 save percentage in his four appearances so far this season. Being a notorious slow starter, Luongo is looking to build on the momentum gained in last night's game.
Who remains the starting goalie for the Canucks for the remainder of the season is anyone's guess. The fans in Vancouver have the luxury of having two goalies on their team who are both worthy of being called a starter. Consistency will play a key role for Vancouver to get back into the Stanley Cup race. Either Schneider or Luongo will have to emerge as the guy that can prove to get the job done every game.