Knocked For A 'LU' 'LU'

Welcome to the NHL Big Ben Smith!!

      He claims he's not rattled, he claims the Chicago Blackhawks are not inside his head. He says game 7 is a 'great opportunity' and being part of it is 'fun'. (As much 'fun' as a postman has fending off a pitbull) He is saying all the right things that a starting goalie should say, but inside you know he is crumbling. The echoes of the UC crowd catcalling "Lu" "Lu" and Chelsea Dagger playing after the deciding OT goal are bouncing off the walls of his psyche. The 'He' I am referring to is Vancouver Canucks starting goalie, Roberto Luongo, in case you were wondering. The very same Luongo the Hoxx have knocked out of the playoffs 2 years running and now, remarkably, have a chance to run the total to 3. He has to be thinking, "NOT AGAIN!!"

Aw Crap!!!

     Roberto Luongo has been one of the top NHL goalies over the past several seasons, especially this year, having guided his team to the best record in the league and the President's trophy while being touted as a finalist for the Vezina trophy (league's top goaltender) His save percentage of .928 was 4th best in the league this year, while his lifetime save tally of .919 may end up be hall of fame worthy. But and there is a massive 'BUT' standing in his way of further career success and validation. That 'But' happens to be your beloved Chicago Blackhawks. Having been one of the elite teams in the league the last 3 years running, the Vancouver Canucks have been unable to advance past the Blackhawks no matter when they run up against them in the playoffs!!   In 2009 and 2010 the Blackhawks quickly made up early series deficits to soundly win both years 4-2. After last season, the Canucks, as well as Luongo, dedicated themselves to getting markedly better as a team and knock off anyone who crossed their paths come playoff time. Following the blueprint of hardwork and several veteran acquisitions, the 2010-11 season panned out as they'd hoped, bagging the best record in the NHL and looking decisively lethal for the upcoming playoffs. Just a week ago after a stellar season and a red hot start to the playoffs, the Canucks were on cruise control up 3-0 on Chicago and looking  like a shoe in to advance not only to the 2nd round but without a doubt to the Stanley Cup Finals.  Then they hit a speedbump. Dave Bolland rejoined the Hoxx off of the IR and the defending Stanley Cup Champs were suddenly a different squad. Game 4 was a pride salvaging effort for Chicago with the Hoxx winning 7-2. Luongo gave up 6 goals before being benched early in the 3rd period. Bolland netted a goal and 3 assists. Game 5, back to Rogers Place, surely composure would return and the Canucks would advance. The Blackhawks errupted for 5 goals over 2 periods chasing Luongo again!! I wrote after game 5 that Luongo was sliding and had to feel 'It' was happening again. Game 6 we headed back to the UC. If the Blackhawks could find a way to chase Luongo again and force a game 7 the series could possibly be theirs.......Then a new wrinkle; Having announced Luongo as starter in goal earlier in the day, game time saw Canuck rookie Corey Schneider in net. Canuck Head Coach, Alain Vigneault, took a bad gamble; he chose to bench his snakebit goalie Luongo in favor of a rookie.  The gamble backfired when on a penalty shot by Blackhawk Michael Frolik, Schneider hyperextended his right leg injuring his groin while letting in the tying goal. Schneider lay on the ice afterward roiling in pain. Now Luongo, who wasn't even afforded room on the bench to watch the game was pressed into action on short notice.....Another shot at redemption?? Yes. Did it pan out?? NO!!! Blackhawks rookie Ben Smith saw to that backhanding a wild rebound from his knees for the winning OT goal sending an already crazed UC crowd to rapture!! 

Not Zat one, Zat one!!!

        Vigneault's gamble made a tenuous situation even worse while creating even more unneeded drama for an already reeling Canucks team. Now a snakebit goalie, Luongo, benched 2 games in a row, and all but abandoned for game 6, only let into the game out of dire need, came up short in the clutch once again. Luongo was forced to do the skate of shame in front of a jubilant UC crowd.
      Roberto Luongo will get one more chance Tuesday night to get over the career hump that is the Blackhawks.  But, with all that's happened in the last 3 games (not to mention the 3 years cumulative)  plus the talk of Luongo possibly having an injured back, you have to like the Blackhawks odds. The Canuck coaches, players and fans can feel it all slipping away...again...The Chicago Blackhawks need only extend their stay in Luongo's brain through Tuesday then they can pull up stakes and move onto the second round!!  It won't take much Tuesday night to rattle Luongo and get his teammates to fold. If the Hoxx mass a 2 goal lead early the Canucks will dissolve like Alka Seltzer in water. The only difference is it won't cure the playoff hangover!!!   Chelsea, Chelsea I believe.......LET'S GO HOXX!!!!!!    Puck drops after 9 p.m.CDST in Vancouver Tuesday night.   Dave Kuhlman bullsbearscubssoxhoxx    dave@onyerleft.com