Yoo-hoo, Lu: Ex-Canucks goalie pays a visit
Panthers goaltender hoping to return from injured groin soon, Ben Kuzma writes.
Roberto Luongo wasn’t sure about his playing status Tuesday, but he was sure of what gets his heart pumping.
The obvious is returning from a groin injury to help backstop the Florida Panthers to an NHL playoff position.
That’s what drives the 38-yearold former Vancouver Canucks goaltender.
However, nothing stoked his fire of desire to excel quite like Team Canada’s heart-stopping 2010 Winter Olympics 3-2 overtime triumph against the United States in his home arena.
There was Sidney Crosby’s golden goal at 7:40 of the extra session, which was preceded by Zach Parise tapping in a rebound with 24.4 seconds remaining in regulation time, creating an incredible level of drama for a defining moment for the game in this country.
It’s why as much as Luongo was preparing to possibly face the Canucks tonight, he couldn’t help but take a trip down memory lane.
“I was actually watching some (2010) highlights the other day,” Luongo said. “The Olympics were on and I just wanted to reminisce a bit. It was a huge moment. Not only for myself, but for Canada.
“A lot of great memories. A lot of stuff put together and the fact it was in Canada and Vancouver and family and everything combined, it’s hard to write a better script. For me, it’s always going to hold a special place and I’ll never get tired of seeing it.”
And even though Canada is not being represented by NHL players at the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympic Games, it hasn’t stopped Luongo’s interest.
“I’ve been watching and hockey hasn’t even started yet,” he said. “Just being part of it is so special and it doesn’t matter where it is held. Guys love the experience and it’s unfortunate NHL players aren’t there — it’s half of the ex-Canuck players representing Canada.” Well, not exactly. Former Canucks Mason Raymond, Linden Vey, Andrew Ebbett, Maxim Lapierre and Marc-Andre Gragnani are being coached by former Vancouver bench boss Willie Desjardins.
“No matter who plays, you want to root for your country,” Luongo said. “I’m sure they’re ecstatic. I can’t even imagine what they’re going through and how much fun it is for them. I’m happy for them and I’m sure they’ll represent our country well and put in a great effort and hopefully bring back gold.”
For Luongo to steer the Panthers back to the playoffs, he’ll need to perform the way he did before suffering a groin injury Dec. 4. He was riding a sevengame streak with a .940 save percentage and 2.03 goals-against average. Then came a shot from New York Islanders defenceman Ryan Pulock that forced him to over-stretch to make a right-pad save.
Then on Jan. 23, backup goaltender James Reimer pulled his right groin while making a save off Dallas Stars defenceman Greg Pateryn. He returned Monday to backstop a wild 7-5 win in Edmonton, but now the question is: when does Luongo return?
After all, he’s 38, not 28. He still has four years remaining on his massive 12-year, US$64-million contract at a $4.53-million cap hit and the Canucks are retaining $800,000 annually.
“I feel good,” Luongo said. “Health-wise, I feel 100 per cent, but it’s been a while since I’ve played and I’m trying to get up to speed as far as game shape, timing reads. (Tuesday) was just my third full practice and it’s improving every day. But I feel I need a bit more to get to (playing shape).
“It’s kind of weird. I hurt my thumb earlier in the season and missed two months and for some reason when I came back, I thought I was playing at another level.”
Which makes you wonder if time is taking a toll on Luongo. Can he really shoulder the load
down the stretch or will Reimer have to play a significant support role?
“I’ve been dealing with a few issues the last few years, but they’re all manageable,” Luongo said. “I would love to play as long as I can. I can play at a high level. And that’s important to me.”
Luongo admitted to being stunned on March 4, 2014 when the Canucks moved his contract and forward Steven Anthony to the Panthers. The return was Jacob Markstrom and Shawn Matthias.
The deal caught Luongo off guard because he had said “my contract sucks” and all parties seemed stuck on finding a resolution.
“It’s crazy,” Luongo said of how quickly four years have passed. “I was walking around the city and it still feels like home.”
Luongo is on the back nine of his career, but we’re not sure which hole because he still has game, still has a dry sense of humour and couldn’t be in a better place.
“I wouldn’t be dealing with all this stuff (injuries) if I didn’t have passion to keep going,” he said.
“I’m enjoying the game more than I ever have, to be honest. My mind is in a spot where I’m just having fun playing and I have as much desire to win as I did five or 10 years ago.
“It’s just a different mindset maybe because I’m realizing it’s toward the (career) end and I want to enjoy it as long as I can.”
The Olympics were on and I just wanted to reminisce a bit. It was a huge moment. Not only for myself, but for Canada.