The Vancouver Canucks are on the verge of being swept in the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs' opening series. The team's postseason woes continue after they lost two games at home and now one on the road to the San Jose Sharks. After entering the playoffs as a possible championship contender, they are setting themselves up for an early exit. While numerous factors have played into each loss, the goaltending drama is getting the main focus. Both goalies have now recorded losses, so who gets the Game 4 start?
Veteran Roberto Luongo started in both Game 1 and 2 over the ailing Cory Schneider. He played relatively well, but was unable to help the team to at least one win. Schneider then started Game 3 and the team once again lost. Schneider returned from injury, giving fans hope that the Canucks could pull off a win on the road. Instead, he allowed five goals and was replaced by Luongo. Schneider allowed three goals in the first four minutes of the third period in Sunday's 5-2 loss. The starter played in 30 regular season games, allowing just 2.11 goals per game. He saved 23 of 28 shots in Game 3. Luongo allowed just six goals on 61 shots in the first two games.
While both goalies have not played well in their outings, they also have not played poorly, raising the question of who is the best option for the possible elimination game. The entire team has been unable to handle the Sharks' shooting attack. Schneider delivered two well-played periods, but got the mercy hook shortly into the third period.
"I felt good to start. No excuses. You play in the playoffs, you gotta perform, you gotta execute. I didn't do it. I got caught leaning," Schneider said postgame.
The Canucks have now scored a mere 17 goals in their last 13 playoff games. 11 of those games were losses. They have lost six straight postseason games at home. It is clear that goaltending is just one issue for the team. Neither Luongo nor Schneider can get the run support to back them up.
It is assumed that Luongo could possibly get the start for Game 4. After two home losses, a shakeup needed to happen, so Schneider returned as the starter.The situation is similar to last season when Vancouver dropped two games to the Los Angeles Kings and Schneider was asked to step in. Whichever goalie gets the start will be tasked with attempting to prevent elimination from the playoffs. It is anyone's guess at this point.
