Vancouver: A Clash of Keepers

By Alex Watson

During this Friday’s team practice, Vancouver Canucks keepers Roberto Luongo and Corey Schneider playfully mocked each other before their 7-4 win over Nashville Predators at the Rogers Arena. In a moment of solidarity Schneider wore a ‘Thing 2’ t-shirt while Luongo wore ‘Thing 1’ and the two played up to the media’s image of their supposed rivalry.

Behind the scenes however, matters aren’t nearly so peaceful and the Canucks seem to have a goal tender situation that is frankly challenging and doesn’t appear to be working itself out quickly and after Saturday’s 5-2 defeat by Detroit, matters it seems will complicate further! Roberto Luongo has long been the main man between the sticks for the Canucks and his superb goaltending famously led Team Canada to Gold in the 2010 Winter Olympics in on home soil in Vancouver and guided the Canucks to their famed Stanley Cup final appearance in 2011.

But his patchy form last season prompted many to wonder if his number one spot was so certain anymore and following a mid season wobble he found himself ousted by back up Schneider for the starting spot! Corey made the most of his big chance and brought stability back to stumbling side and was in place for their first round playoff defeat by eventual champs Los Angeles Kings.

At the start of this new season, the speculation as to whether Bobby Lou would waive his ‘no trade clause’ increased as Schneider was all but confirmed as the new Number One! But after conceding seven goals against Anaheim in the opening game of the season, Luongo was recalled to the fray and started the next four games- but after Feb 28 he was forced to watch from the bench as Schneider as played 10 of the next 15 games. But after an abysmal run of only 1 win from 5 games C.S was again benched in favour of Luongo who to date has played the last three games!

The big question here is whether this unwanted attention from this crisis has affected the team on the ice? The Canucks inconsistent form does support this theory but I suppose it is unfair to lump this one scenario on an entire team as their forward line is beginning to show some of the form that has made them such a force in recent years. But how do you reinforce a defensive line if you cannot be sure who will be keeping goal week to week?

Schneider is a goaltender of tremendous ability and the man is still learning the key elements of what it means be a number one goalie, but is he ready to be pushed into the shoes of his predecessor? Luongo is commonly referred to as the ‘Best Money Goalie’ in the NHL and although he has had his rough patches, he has always seems to get things together when needed.

Mike Gillis, Alain Vigneault and co have a big decision before them: best choose wisely!