Much of Roberto Luongo's season focused around a possible trade. The Vancouver Canucks were engaged in trade talks for the veteran goalie throughout much of the regular season. They believed Cory Schneider was the future of the franchise and Luongo's post season struggles had sealed his fate. Except a trade was never complete and Luongo remained a Canuck, plugging away proving his production had not dropped off. Now, Luongo will get a chance to prove he is the best option as the goalie will get the start for Game 1 against the San Jose Sharks, in place of the ailing Schneider.
Luongo played the final two games of the regular season after Schneider sustained an unidentified injury. While Schneider has said he is ready to play and feels fine, Vancouver has decided to stay with Luongo. The veteran did struggle in his final start of the season, allowing seven goals on 37 shots in the team's finale loss to the Edmonton Oilers.
Luongo has not faced the Sharks yet this season which could be beneficial for San Jose. Schneider went winless in his three starts against the team, with a 2.94 goals-against average. He allowed only one goal in his final two starts prior to injury.
The Sharks will likely be searching for some revenge against the Canucks as the game is a rematch of the 2011 Western Conference finals in which Vancouver came out victorious. Luongo has had a rather mediocre season after only seeing the ice in 20 games. He has gone 9-6-3 with a 2.56 goals-against average. Schneider has played 30 games this season, going 17-9 with a 2.11 GAA overall.
Vancouver will have Ryan Kesler back after an injury forced him out of the regular season games against San Jose. The Canucks are hoping that will change their luck against a team that swept them in a three-game series. The Sharks finished out the season going 12-3-1, the second longest run in the league.
This game could come down to goaltending. The Sharks have the reliable Antti Niemi so the Canucks must counter that with a strong option. Schneider was not available after the morning skate so it is unsure who will play the backup role for Luongo.
