Roberto Luongo needs a tire pump. Fast.
The Canucks’ netminder had an ugly night on Tuesday, allowing three goals on just 14 shots and getting yanked from the game just 6:55 into the second period of what turned out to be a 3-2 loss to Edmonton.
On his way to the bench (a path Bruins fans have seem him travel several times), Luongo slammed his stick against the boards in frustration. It seems he’s felt that way for a while, dating back to his criticism of Tim Thomas in the Stanley Cup Final and the “pumping his tires” comment that won’t soon be forgotten.
Because of all that, the former Canucks captain said he knows the media and fan firestorm that is to come.
“Yeah, of course I know what to expect — same as every other time,” Luongo said after the game, according to The Vancouver Sun. “Just keep working and keep my head up and that’s it. Things will turn around. They always do.”
Perhaps they do, but Luongo is going to need a little more than patience this year. He currently ranks 36th in the NHL with a 3.45 goals-against average. He’s 38th with an .868 save percentage. Thanks in large part to his 19 goals allowed, the Canucks have been outscored 26-24 on the season.
All of this comes after last week’s editorial in The Province suggested the Canucks should trade Luongo (under contract through the 2021-22 season) for Vincent Lecavalier. That proposal has rightfully been mocked as ludicrous, but it just adds to the seemingly ever-growing pile of criticism and ridicule that gets put upon Luongo.
But hey — at least he knows this would have been an easy save for him. He’s got that going for him.
Photo of the day
Do you feel bad for Lu?
Quote of the day
“Due to the distraction caused by media speculation regarding our employee permission policy, the Toronto Blue Jays have amended their policy and will not grant permission for lateral moves.”
–The Toronto Blue Jays, in a statement, thereby squashing all rumors of John Farrell returning to Boston to manage the Red Sox
Tweet of the day
Some members of the Bruins visited Children’s Hospital on Tuesday, and Zdeno Chara stole the show as a giant pink bunny. It was nice, but this is a good question.
Video of the day
Good times.
