The Luongo Myth




Here are the playoff numbers for Roberto Luongo over his last three post-seasons.

2006/07 .941 SavePct 1.77 GAA
2008/09 .914 SavePct 2.52 GAA
2009/10 .895 SavePct 3.22 GAA

His record over those three years is 17 Wins and 17 Losses.

I have heard repeatedly the statement that Luongo was "hung out to dry" by his defense, and that the injuries to the Canuck defense brigade were to blame for Vancouver's post-season failure. The Montreal Canadiens lost their best defenseman and arguably best player in Andrei Markov, and have managed to make it to the semi-finals. This was achieved with the help of world-class goaltending provided by Jaroslav Halak. The Canucks did not receive world class goaltending.

Admittedly, Vancouver's playoff shortcoming should not fall entirely on the shoulders of Luongo, Hank and Danny Sedin share the blame as well. They were taken off their game by the Black Hawks and failed to step up in a leadership role. Over the six games of the second round, the Sedins produced 3 goals, 9 assists, 12 points and a -6 rating. Chicago's counterparts, Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews put up 7 goals, 13 assists, 20 points and a +3. No contest.

The Vancouver Canucks window of oppurtunity to win a Cup was perhaps never better this season. The fact that they have Luongo, Burrows, Kesler and the Sedins locked up contractually for years to come means they have no choice but to stick with this core. Unless Cody Hodgson and Jordan Schroeder prove to be Calder candidates in the next few years, this group may just not be good enough to win it all.

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