Goaltending is once again back in the spotlight for the Vancouver Canucks. A position that has received so much attention throughout the regular season is receiving equal amounts of speculation as the playoffs are underway. The team has some big problems they must address for Game 2 and goaltending is unfortunately one of them. While Roberto Luongo did not play poorly in Game 1 against the San Jose Sharks, he could not stop the team. However, the status of starter Cory Schneider is unknown and Luongo will once again be back in the net.
Luongo confirmed that he will be starting Game 2, coming as somewhat of a surprise after the team lost their opening game of the Western Conference quarterfinals. Schneider has not been present at practice but has been spotted skating around. The team has yet to give an official word on what his overall health status is. He continues to just be labeled as "day-to-day" with a body injury.
"Not too sure what's going on with that. It's a playoff series, it's a bit of a mind game with the opposition, and I am just in the groove now to focus as if I am playing every game until I am told otherwise," Luongo said.
That is the type of attitude Luongo has been forced to take all season. Prior to the regular season kicking off, trade rumors were running rampant around the goaltender. After struggles in the playoffs, Vancouver was ready to move on with Schneider as their leading man. However, no trade happened. Then the official trade deadline came and went and still Luongo remained on the roster. He has continued to do everything asked of him. However, if his postseason struggles continue, the only option is to get rid of him.
The Canucks have been suffering from injuries to significant players. Ryan Kesler, who missed most of the season after tearing his hip labrum was back for Game 1, but was battling the flu. He attempted to downplay how the illness affected his play, but he was noticeably lethargic as the game went on. The Canucks are in desperate need for he and Derek Roy to play at their best in the second line. That will be the best option if the Canucks want to match-up well against the Sharks top centers.
Luongo has a chance to redeem himself in Game 2. Over the past few seasons, playing clutch in the postseason is not something he has been known for. Vancouver fans would like that to change on Friday night.
