Official Luongo Hate / Love Thread

[Topper]

The guys stirring up the nonsense are in a win win situation. If AV were to go with Luongo, they simply flip their story and run with it.

I actually think the media is being pretty fair on this one.

Luongo sitting out for the guy with a contract that's about to expire absolutely is a story.

What the Canucks should and could do with their goalies will continue to be discussed and debated through out the season and the better Schneider plays the more the Canucks plan is likely to change.

Like I said after the Sharks game, it is going to be very, very interesting to see how this plays out.

Yes, the emergence of Schneider is a story and has been one for a couple of years. The dynamics of it have not changed one iota in the past year.

[Mondi]

If fans and media are talking about "it" then yes, by definition there is a controversy.

But, it is a fan and media created "controversy".

What gets to me is that the Vancouver Canucks players, management and coaches have said there is no controversy. Including the players themselves. In fact, what is a controversy? If you lose your position based on the merit of your backup's play, what is controversial about that?

If the media was responsible, they would either drop the story or do some investigative reporting. Sadly, in sports there are only columnists and not reporters.

I could write game recaps and columns (/opinion pieces) about the Canucks from my basement, these guys have access to the players, coaches, management, games and practices. They least they could do is put in some effort.

I'm no Luongo supporter, but I see no need for hometown media to incessantly pick at open wounds or scabs. Or worse, open their on.

[GoalieDad]

The Vancouver hockey "media" has not and will not let this guy. The want a goaltender "controversy" whether is one or not. Personally, I find it deplorable that the "media" would rather create the story than cover the story.

That's what the media does, they decide which stories get covered. And sure, some stories (or slants on stories) serve their own economic interests better than others. That's just the real world. Not neccesarily the way it otta be, but sure as heck is the way it is.
Forgive me for quoting myself, but "I don't see how the sheer quantity of conversation constitutes a controversy. It's just ... topical."
And I really don't hear people saying "What's going on here? Why aren't they playing Luongo? WHY?!
I do hear plenty of observers saying "Isn't this interesting? Wonder how this will play out? Wonder how Luongo will behave if it persists?" All legitimate questions. No?
IMO, the textbook example of a goalie controversy existed when Schneider was playing more solidly/more reliably, yet was never given more than an intermittent, irregular start to give Lu a break. THAT was when a good number of folks were saying "What's going on here? Why the obvious favouritism? Why not go with the hot hand?!" That was something of a controversy. No?

[GoalieDad]

If fans and media are talking about "it" then yes, by definition there is a controversy.

Uhhh, no.

[Mondi]

Don't give me, "that's just the way it is" speech. If you are journalist and you take your profession seriously you look to either (1) report the story objectively or (2) write a column supported by informed opinion. Those are bedrock components of the profession.

Whether anyone who works for The Province is a professional, is perhaps an open question. But, if you hold yourself up as a reputable organization the only way you can tell if there is a "controversy" is to ask Vigneault.

If he says, "yeah, I can't decide who is this number one" or he says, "I'm going with Luongo because he makes more money," that might be considered controversial. Right now, they are playing the better player. Hence no controversy.

Yet the media maintain the question: is their a controversy? And they ask leading and incendiary question to the players, coaches and managers in order to maintain a constant state of controversy. This, in my view, is irresponsible journalism.

[Mondi]

If fans and media are talking about "it" then yes, by definition there is a controversy.

Uhhh, no.

Don't quote me out of context please. Read the full post. Also read Topper's previous post(s).

[Potatoe1]

The dynamics of it have not changed one iota in the past year.

Sure it has.

A year ago Schneider had played only 6 games as the back up, mostly against bottom feeders.

At that point there was basically zero chance he was going to be anything other then the back up, with a good chance of being trade bait after the season.

Right now Schneider is not only being played over luongo but in terms of his technique, poise, and reaction time he looks miles better.

Despite what the Luongo bashers would have us believe we never saw that last season.

Things have changed so much that even very conservative posters like Coco are unsure if Luongo is the guy to move ahead with;

Having said that, I'm leaning towards Schneider as the long-term solution, and that's simply due to his age. Although he's yet to proven he can be consistently good in the regular season and playoffs as a staring goalie, but what I've seen from his ability, along with his resume and pedigree, I think it's pretty unlikely he doesn't turn out to be one of the top goalie of the league.

If smart posters like Coco are feeling like Schneider is the real deal and a better fit moving forward, is it out out of the question to speculate that some in the Canuck organization are starting to lean a little further in that direction?

[Listercat]

As far as the "long term" is concerned, given Cory's progress and that of Lack I would not be adverse to moving Luo. Not that I am a "hater", if anything I've supported him to a fault. Roberto has certianly done more good for the franchise than bad, but IMO he is "distractable" and this has hurt the team when it mattered the most. (ie Chicago series in 09/10 and the SCF)

Making Roberto "Captain" was a big mistake as he does not manage the media hounds well.Roberto does not seem to have learned from that experience. He should have a press agent who speaks for him or he should just be quiet, because he always seems to put his foot in his mouth.

[Potatoe1]

But, it is a fan and media created "controversy".

That is just false.

The Media did not have anything to do with Luongo sucking donky balls again in October. Nor did they make Schneider look like an absolute stud goalie for the past 4 games.

The Media had nothing to do with Luongo signing for 12 years or Schneiders deal expiring at the end of the season.

The media is simply reporting what should be obvious to everyone. Luongo has been inconsistent in 3 straight playoffs. Luongo stunk again in October. Schneider has gone from a quality back up and is now looking like a stud no1 goalie.

The Canucks are going to have to make a decision and right now what they do is very much up in the air.

It will also be a major issue for Gillis and co. moving forward. At some point in the not to distant future their hand will be forced.

I don't buy for a second that they already have a plan in place and that recent and future events will have no impact on that plan.

I'm no Luongo supporter, but I see no need for hometown media to incessantly pick at open wounds or scabs. Or worse, open their on.

I think the local media has been pretty fair TBH.

In the articles I have read Luongo has come away looking like a team first guy and a supporter of Schneider.

They have been far harder on the guy at other times over the past 3 years.

Now if you want an example of a "manufactured story" how about all the crap stirred up after Luongo happened to make an innocent comment regarding the style difference between himself and Tim Thomas.

Now that would be a perfect example of a media created controversy.

[Potatoe1]

IMO, the textbook example of a goalie controversy existed when Schneider was playing more solidly/more reliably, yet was never given more than an intermittent, irregular start to give Lu a break. THAT was when a good number of folks were saying "What's going on here? Why the obvious favouritism? Why not go with the hot hand?!" That was something of a controversy. No?

I didn't really see that happen last season.

Lu had a tough October but was prey much lights out the rest of the way last year.

I think his post October save percentage was over .930, and that was with Lu taking the majority of starts against the playoff teams.

[Mondi]

@Pot

I think we agree. There is no controversy because Schnieder is the better player (at least right now).

But, I believe, the media is trying to create a controversy (or conflict).

Luongo is a head case. And he's not good in the playoffs. I don't care for the guy. But I think there is no such controversy insofar as the players, coaches and managers are saying there isn't one.

[Corb]

Lou is a head case - which is really unfortunate. I'm sure like many, my only real problem with the guy is his penchant for 1 bad goal turning into 3 (often in a short amount of time). The fans sense it as soon as it happens, and you know the players do.

He's still the best we've had, buy a wide margin.

[Jovocop]

Lou is a head case - which is really unfortunate. I'm sure like many, my only real problem with the guy is his penchant for 1 bad goal turning into 3 (often in a short amount of time). The fans sense it as soon as it happens, and you know the players do.

He's still the best we've had, buy a wide margin.

Luongo is one of the best goalies when he is on his game. However, his inconsistency is really costing the team games and points. With Schneider, he is not as good as Luongo but at least he is consistent.

[Potatoe1]

But, I believe, the media is trying to create a controversy (or conflict).

Do you have an example?

I just had a quick read of articles over the past 2 days and most of them seem fair.

Luongo actually comes off quite well in most of them.

I think Cory has unbelievable talent and he’s been working his bag off for the last two years,” said Luongo. “He never complained and was always 100-per-cent behind me. The same thing goes for me. He deserves what he’s getting right now. There’s no doubt that he could be a starter in this league. It’s about the Vancouver Canucks winning games.”

Read more: http://www.theprovince.com/sports/Schne ... z1f7pLTn4Q

Luongo come across like a champ with that quote. If the medias intention was to stir things up why are they including quotes that make Luongo shine?

Perhaps it's because they don't need to fan the flames here, this is a big story and it will fuel it's self.

[Mondi]

http://www.theprovince.com/sports/Schne ... story.html

"Schnieder Shutout Luongo"

..The days of Roberto Luongo getting automatic starts because he’s the incumbent No. 1 goaltender appear to be over.

...Does this constitute a goaltending controversy? Maybe, but all the principals — Schneider, Luongo and Vigneault — were doing their best on Monday not to fan any potential flames.

Also there was an article with a particularly misleading picture of Roberto slumped on the bench, looking despondent.

Anyways, I'm not trying to make this up. Just look at the 1040's poll question. Or what idiots like Sekeres and Botchford talk about all day long.