The Vancouver Province points out that when the Canucks finally move Roberto Luongo in an offseason trade scenario, they will need to address various needs and also find more than just a capable backup for Cory Schneider in his new role as the bonafide starter.
They'll need someone who can step in and play a number of pre-determined games or more if Schneider succumbs to injury or indifferent play. They'll need someone who can support the starter and who won't wilt under the glare of the media spotlight. In time, that goalie will be Eddie Lack.
"You've seen in the league how well two-goalie tandems work — maybe not 50-50 starts — but just having a very capable second guy who can come into any building and give you a chance to win," Schneider said Tuesday.
"I'm sure with the success we had last year with Roberto and myself playing that I'm sure the team would want to go in that direction and find someone they trust to win games.
"Whoever is there next year, I'm sure it will be fine and I'll work with him.
Last season, Schneider was more than just comfortable in his relationship with Luongo and the heightened expectation when he took over the crease in Game 3 of a first-round playoff series against the Kings.
He compiled a 20-8-1 record and his 1.96 GAA was only behind Brian Elliott (1.56) and Jonathan Quick (1.95) while his .937 saves percentage ranked second to Elliott (.940). He also won five-straight games in November, including back-to-back shutouts in Colorado and Phoenix before a 43-save win at San Jose.
"There have been stretches where I've played a lot of games in a short amount of time, but I honestly like playing more," added Schneider. "You get into a better rhythm and you don't think about it as much. The few stretches don't equate to a full schedule and it will definitely be a challenge but one I'm looking forward to."
As far as who the team might bring in to back him up?
"I honestly don't know which direction they're thinking of going or who they're thinking about," summed up Schneider. "The team may want to go one direction or the other and I really don't have a say in it."
Entertainment Plaza - TV, Movies, Sports, Music
http://members.shaw.ca/almosthuman99
Babe Of The Month
http://members.shaw.ca/almosthuman99/babeofthemonth.html
Hunk Of The Month
http://members.shaw.ca/almosthuman99/babeofthemonthman.html
No comments:
Post a Comment