Two Headed Monster: Roberto Luongo and Cory Schneider.

The goaltending duo in Vancouver was awarded with the Williams M. Jennings Trophy to have the fewest goals scored against between the both of them. The Canucks also won the President's Trophy this year and I don't think it was any accident. The team has played just as such - a team. There have been contributions from every line, the defense has been figuring into the scoring and even though there were plenty of injuries to have happened during the season, the team played well. It helps that both Schneider and Luongo had nearly an even number of games to play so that not one goaltender was hit by fatigue. It makes you wonder if this is the key to success for a hockey team.

Now not every goaltending duo is on it's game like these two are. Not every year are you going to find a lot of teams that can play both goalies every night and have much success. The thing is, many backups tend to play better as they play more often. Let's use Patrick Lalime as the case in point. When he went down to condition in Portland last season, he came back up and won a stellar game versus Chicago. He went on to win a few more last season. When Lindy played him more frequently, he became better as time went on. Only a few goaltenders are still excellent when they sit for a long time. Nearly every other game, Schneider and Luongo switched roles to lead the team to an impressive 54-19-9 record. I really think that Canucks have a great chance to take it all this year, and I would see the even time between the two goalies to be a huge factor in that. When they're both on their game, they are on. The only case where I would hope they're not is if the Sabres make it to the Stanley Cup Finals along with the Canucks - then I hope both goaltenders are fatigued.

The hunt starts tonight as the Canucks take on the Blackhawks with a 10 PM ET puckdrop. I'm hoping the result this year is different from the past two seasons. Go Canucks, go!

So how aboot them Canucks?

One thing I really fail to do with this blog is talk about the other hockey teams I like. I think I've mentioned the Canucks twice or three times this season in my posts, and for that I'm sorry. With the Sabres schedule being so screwy this month, I really need something to talk about. That brings me to the Canucks game last night.

Roberto Luongo had his 21st shutout as a Canuck last night, and Michael Grabner scored his second goal of the season on the power play. I didn't even notice while watching the game but Michael was standing in front of the net on the power play and deflected it in. Sounds like another player we know and love, and I got so giddy. His first stint with the club during the preseason didn't go so well but after a month of being in Manitoba, it's really helped him.

Willie Mitchell gave Sam Gagner a nice smack in the nose that caused him to bleed significantly. I love when they have to stick up what looks like gauze up their nose to stop the bleeding. Poor guy, at least it didn't hit his eye or anything.

They have currently won three in a row and play the Red Wings next, who have lost three in a row. Woo!

It's been awhile.

The last time the Canucks came to town (or even played the Sabres) was January 19th, 2007. Thomas Vanek's 23rd birthday, to be exact! The Sabres won 2-1 in a shootout (with ex-Captain Clutch scoring the tying goal I think), and I was also sort of upset because instead of Luongo in net during that game, it was Curtis Sanford. I know I wasn't the only Sabres fan upset that Roberto wasn't playing, but I'm hoping we'll be seeing him tomorrow in net for the Canucks.
This also happened that evening;

Go to about 1:14. Holllllly-
Anyways. (Edit: I just realized how bad this video is screwing up my layout, haha. Oh well.)

The Canucks play tonight, and I have no idea who is going to be in net for them tonight. It's completely possible that Roberto Luongo will play both games if he is indeed playing tonight against Detroit. I guess we'll have to wait and see tomorrow how the lineup is going to look for the game.

I still have no idea if I'm going tomorrow...I'm going to guess not. I'm not disappointed, it's just, now I feel guilty because my brother is going to feel guilty if he couldn't find any seats near their seats that were available. I don't want him to feel bad. The fact he would even try to find a ticket means a lot to me. Besides, the Canucks will be back in probably two years, so it's no big deal!