Luongo Deal Needs to Happen Now

Coming in to the shortened season following the lockout there appeared to be no question that Roberto Luongo was on his way out and that Cory Schneider would be the Canucks staring goaltender.  Seven games into the season though Luongo is set to make his third consecutive start after a shutout over Colorado on Wednesday.  Luongo has been solid thus far, going 1-0-2 with a 1.61 GAA.  Long-term there is no doubt that Schneider will be between the pipes, but Luongo is forcing coach Alain Vigneault to make some tough decisions. Having two  capable goaltenders is a nice luxury to have currently but what are the long-term implications of dragging out this process?

Schneider will in all probability be thrust into the starting role full-time in the near future as General Manager Mike Gillis has mad little secret of Luongo’s availability.  The longer the Canucks go without making a deal the more difficult it becomes on both goaltender as the rumours make the rounds.  Questions regarding who’s starting on any given night can take a toll on even the strongest of characters.

Vancouver  (3-2-2), would be well advised to hurry along with making a trade for Luongo as his stock my never be higher.  Fridays contest against the rivaled Chicago Blackhawks should be Luongo’s final contest in a Canucks jersey.  If they have already made up their mind (which it appears they have) on who is the goalie going forward, getting the deal done now is paramount to the short and long-term success of the Canucks.  Mike Gillis, its time to get a deal done already.