Vancouver Canucks saddened at Stanley Cup loss, hopeful of return next season –NHL Updates
The 2011 National Hockey League (NHL) Stanley Cup Finals’ series was certainly a test between two of the top goalies in the world and Roberto Luongo does not hesitate to acknowledge that he lost and Thomas emerged as the better goalie, but at the same time,
it gives Canucks the motivation for a big comeback next season.
"We're devastated, but we're a good team and we'll be back", said Luongo while his voice was breaking and he was trying to fight back tears.
Vancouver overall, not only Canucks, are saddened at the shocking 4-0 loss in Game 7 against Boston Bruins, but Luongo has assured the fans that Canucks will be back strong next season.
"As a team if we all could have stepped up a notch, starting with myself, we could have got the job done", Luongo said. "We're devastated as a team. We worked all year to get to this point and to fall short like that is a tough one to take. It's a team game,
we're not going to point fingers at one individual".
All the blame cannot and should not be placed on Luongo’s shoulders. His performance throughout the regular season led Canucks to win the President’s Trophy and made Vancouver famous for its shutouts.
During the playoffs, it was Luongo who led the team through the quarterfinals against defending Stanley Cup champions, Chicago Blackhawks, and played impressively for an overtime win.
His skills flourished in the six-game series against Nashville Predators as well while he totally blanked San Jose Sharks in five games.
Canucks’ captain, Henrik Sedin, has also supported Luongo’s testament and termed their loss as an offensive loss.
Henrik remarked after Game 7 that they were not able to score a single goal, which had nothing to do with Luongo’s performance in the net.
The 32-year-old veteran goalie from Montreal, Quebec, Canada, will be with Vancouver Canucks for a long time looking at his 12-year, $64 million contract.
Luongo is one of the best goalies in the league without any doubt and his time with Vancouver has certainly been some of the best ever for Canucks.
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