Roberto Luongo regrets comments made against Tim Thomas during 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Finals Series
The 2011 National Hockey League (NHL) Stanley Cup Finals was truly one of the most exciting championship series in the history of major league hockey. The series, unlike the previous ones which are based on goal scoring and offensive strategy, this time
around it was more of a battle royal between two of the league’s top goalies.
Roberto Luongo, representing Vancouver Canucks, and Tim Thomas of Boston Bruins, both veteran goaltenders and both thirsty for their first Stanley Cup championship of their careers.
Vancouver was battling for their first Stanley Cup ever, in the 40-years they had been a team, while Boston Bruins have won many championships, but this one would be the first in over 35 years, making it all the more special.
It certainly will always remain in the back of Luongo’s mind.
“I thought of the finals earlier in the summer, but now I think it’s a part of the past”, said Luongo. “I have good memories of last year, it was a very good season. But it sure hurts a little”.
With such an intense series, was sure to come rivalry and bad mouthing as both did not resist from doing and showing both. Tim Thomas and Roberto Luongo took advantage of each and every opportunity they were given, either to criticise the other or blame
the opposing force for a something.
Luongo, a 32-year-old native of Montreal, Quebec, Canada, who was drafted fourth overall in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft by New York Islanders, was in his fifth straight season with Vancouver Canucks and could not bear the thought of not having won a Stanley
Cup any more.
Looking back at the comments made to each other, by each other, Luongo regards it as something he regrets and most probably he would not do if given the chance again.
“If I could do it again, I wouldn’t say it”, Luongo said in a recent interview with a local Canadian radio show. “I didn’t want to create the buzz that it did. After the fifth game, I had never been so emotional and I got carried away”.
It was certainly a tough time for both players and eventually one would emerge as the winner. The new season brings new opportunities for both who continue their quest for a Stanley Cup, something which won is never enough.
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