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The stage is now set for a controversy, as Roberto Luongo played himself back into the number one role and all Cory Schneider could do was watch. But then again, that's nothing new in Vancouver when it comes to goaltenders; we like our goalies like we like our ice cream – a new flavour ever week.
Luongo stopped all 24 shots, on the way to his first shutout of the season, and in the process better his numbers to 1-0-2, 1.61GAA (4th) and a .938Sv% (4th). That’s the guy we all know and love and for God's sake if he keeps playing this well, let him run with it AV.
And as for Gillis, the guy is playing as well as nearly any goalie in the league, let's hang onto him. The pressure will be good for Cory. After all, what's wrong with a little internal completion? If you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen. If the deal isn't sweet, don't be pulling the trigger.
Now back to the game.
To give Luongo all the credit for last night wouldn't be 100% accurate; this was a team effort. To me this was a nice switch from the days of last year when, Vancouver would continually crap the bed and leave Luongo out to dry (although he had his nights when he did the same). Maybe this team just plays better when their backup is in.
Vancouver opened the scoring seven minutes in when Garrison hammered a perfect pass from Erik Johnson to make it 1-0 Canucks. Johnson was pestered by Higgins on the play but there is no excuse for that giveaway. Every young defenceman knows that if you don't have a play, at least get it high off the boards and out. Even if Garrison keeps it in, there would still be time for the Avs to get into position. And give a lot of credit to Hansen on the play for getting pressure from the backend and then getting to the net to screen Varlamov.
Vancouver continued rolling along in the second period, when Lapierre fired one between the wickets. It was nice work by Lappy to bring the puck up the ice and get the shot, but this puck should never beat an NHL goalie. I wonder if Greg Sherman talked with Gillis about acquiring a goalie after the game?
Then in the Third, The man I will now refer to as "the Monster" capped things off. By tapping home a Dan Hamhuis pass. I know the Monster gives people nightmares, but come on, NHL level defenceman should at least make an effort to tie him up when he is alone like that. Nice puck movement and passing by Vancouver, but that goal was just too easy.
All in all, another day, another win over the Avs. Let the suspense build as we wonder who will play on Friday night.
Canucks 3 Stars
1- Luongo
2- Kassian
3- Garrison
UPDATE- SCOOBY SNACKS
Scooby was brave enough to take up the challenge posted to him yesterday. Still waiting for your blog IggysBFF. How long does it take to write a few hundred words?
Possible return for Roberto Luongo?
There has been much discussion the past 6 months as to what Roberto Luongo is worth in a trade. Fans from teams around the league have suggested he’s worth a salary dump and mid round pick. However, we all know that’s just wishful thinking, and that Roberto is worth much much more then that.
I’m going to analyze potential trading partners of the Canucks, and what those teams would have to give up to get Luongo.
Edmonton Oilers
The Oilers are off to a hot start, but we all know that won’t last. Dubnyk is not a starting goaltender, and never will be. Acquiring Luongo would bring instant success to the Oilers, and he’d be a great mentor for the many young stars on this team. Luongo’s small cap hit of $5.2m would fit in perfectly with this team.
Proposal:
Luongo, Ballard + Raymond for Hemsky, Pajaarvi, Smid + 1st round pick.
Let’s be honest, this is the type of deal that benefits both teams. The Oilers get 3 players that instantly make them a playoff team, while they shed 3 players that have been underachievers so far this season. The Oilers have had enough early 1st round draft picks the last 5 years, so giving up another really doesn’t hurt them long term.
The question is, does Luongo want to play in a town where Gretzky, Messier, Weight, Guerin, Arnott, Nylander and Pronger all said no to?… my guess is Edmonton gets turned down again.
Florida Panthers
Florida has been at the top of the list since day 1, mainly because Roberto’s wife lives in Florida during the season, and he’s expressed interest in returning to the Panthers.
The Panthers have really struggled out of the gate this year, and most of that is due to goaltending. Florida has a solid group of forwards, and some veteran defensemen that could make a push for a playoff run. Luongo is exactly what this team needs, but the price tag will be high.
Proposal:
Luongo, Raymond + Ballard for Weiss, Gudbranson , Markstrom + 2nd round pick.
Both teams win with this trade. The Panthers get their stud goalie along with some speed to fit in with the other speedy Panthers forwards, as well as a great 2 way defenseman in Ballard. The Canucks get a much needed centre, and a defenseman who will help them for years to come… as well as a goalie prospect in case Lack never heals from his latest injury.
New Jersey Devils
Martin Brodeur can’t keep playing forever, or can he? This trade makes sense on so many levels, as Roberto would be a great transition piece for the next 6-8 years until New Jersey is able to develop a young goalie. However, the Devils organization is as unstable as any in the league, and this might not be the best environment for Roberto. He would have to be convinced to play for the Devils, likely by his former Olympic teammate, Brodeur.
Proposal:
Luongo for Henrique, Hedberg + 1st round pick.
You have to give up something to get another Vezina type goalie.
New York Islanders
The Islanders have been a surprising team this year, but their lack of solid goaltending might cost them a playoff spot. Picking up Luongo would all but guarantee the Islanders a playoff spot, thus making the price tag extremely high for Luongo.
Proposal:
Luongo, Raymond + Ballard for Okposo, Bailey, Hamonic + 2nd
At first glance it might look like the Islanders are giving up a lot, but are they really? Okposo has a career high 24 goals, Raymond has a career high 26. Bailey has been a total bust on the Island and Hamonic hasn’t lived up to expectations. A change of scenery for all 3 would be welcomed, while they get the Vezina type goalie they let goalie nearly 15 years ago. Wang loves to make big moves, and this one would really shake things up. If the Islanders are serious about making a playoff run, the experience of Raymond and Ballard, along with the steady goaltending of Luongo, makes this a no brainer for the Islanders.
But will Lou waive his NTC to go back to where it all began?
Philadelphia Flyers
The Flyers and Canucks as trading partners just makes too much sense for it not to happen. The Flyers love making big deals, and when they see an opportunity to improve their team, they go for it. I don’t see this trade happening during the season, but in the offseason, after the Flyers buy out Bryzgalov.
Proposal:
Luongo for Couturier + 1st round pick.
This deal is pretty black and white, you can’t get any cleaner than this. The Flyers finally get their Vezina type goalie, after going through sieves such as Cechmanek, Leighton, Bobarovsky, Bryzgalov… this is a HUGE move by the Flyers, and one they can’t afford not to make. They are giving up a potential star in Couturier, but many players have potential that never make it. Couturier is off to a really slow start this year, so the Canucks are taking a big gamble, but the 1st round pick helps ease their feelings on this one.
Long term this deal benefits both teams, short teams the Flyers come out on top.
Toronto Maple Leafs
Ah the big smoke, the center of the universe… hockey’s Meca, just ask anyone from Toronto, this is hockey town… well until early April it is.
Gillis and Burke had a deal in place that fell through at the last second. Sources say that Burke wouldn’t add another 1st round pick to the deal, and his reluctance eventually cost him his job.
2 months ago I thought Luongo to the Leafs makes them an instant playoff team, then I watched the Leafs play, and I changed my mind. There is no way this team makes the playoffs, even with a Vezina type goalie. Toronto needs to blow up the team, and start over, again. I’m reluctant to make a trade proposal, because I don’t think Toronto is a good fit for Luongo, and he’d more than likely veto any deal… but here goes.
Basically this deal comes down to what the Leafs are planning on doing. Are you going to blow it up, or are you going to put on another bandaid? I think this deal helps the Leafs do both, without giving up too much. Luongo is that goalie who could get the Leafs into the playoffs (if he stands on his head all year), he would instantly become the best goalie the Leafs have ever had. Schroeder and Sauve help build for the future. The Leafs aren’t really giving up much here, as Kessel only has a year left, MacArthur is a fringe player, and Frattin is still just a prospect.
End of the day, I think Luongo vetoes this deal… if he was 40 and wanting one last chance to play in Toronto, like Leetch, Francis, Nieuwendyk, Lindros etc.. before him, maybe he accepts it… but at 33 he’s still got way too many good years ahead of him.
Washington Capitals
The Capitals need goaltending, and they need it badly. Like the Flyers, the Capitals have gone through goalies like John Mayer goes through girlfriends. They are a depth team that is in need of a serious shake up. This would be a blockbuster deal if it goes down.
Proposal:
Luongo, Raymond, Ballard + Rai for Ovechkin, Schultz + 2nd round pick.
Let’s be honest, Ovechkin is no where near the player he once was. His contract goes on for another 10 years, and who knows how much longer he stays in North America. The Canucks are taking a serious gamble on this deal, but if it pays off…look out. Imagine the Sedins playing with Ovechkin on their wing??? Wow, instant best line in hockey. This is a long shot, but would help out both teams.
My best bet is Luongo stays the season with the Canucks and is traded to the Flyers in the off season for said proposal.
Enjoy your day,
Scooby.
Now......
That’s a wrap.
Ian
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