The Vancouver Canucks are looking to avoid a historic collapse in their first-round series with the Chicago Blackhawks, and it looks like they're going to have to do so with Roberto Luongo in net.
That's because that three-time All-Star Luongo, who was benched for Game 6 in Chicago before returning after an injury to Cory Schneider, was told by Vancouver coach Alain Vigneault that he'll be between the pipes for Game 7 of the Canucks' Stanley Cup playoffs first-round series.
After having to pull Luongo in both Game 4 and Game 5 of Vancouver's series, Vigneault tabbed Schneider as his starting goalie for Game 6 in Chicago. Schneider left the game with cramping after giving up a penalty-shot goal to Michael Frolik in the third period. Luongo was then summoned from the dressing room to take over before eventually surrendering the game-winning goal in overtime to Chicago's Ben Smith.
According to The Canadian Press, Schneider will be the backup goalie and will be available if needed, despite the injury.
Luongo has posted a modest 3.45 goals against average in the series' six games, but it was the 10 goals he allowed in Games 4 and 5 that led to him being pulled in both and benched for the start of Game 6.
The Canucks are looking to avoid blowing what was a 3-0 series lead when they host the Blackhawks in Tuesday's winner-take-all Game 7 in Vancover.
