PGDB #5: Luongo, Cox, and the Blackhawks
14 years ago
With the vast majority of commentators focusing on the bad blood between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Vancouver Canucks prior to tonight’s game (aftermath pictured above), Damien Cox of the Toronto Star decided to focus on something else entirely (also pictured above).
From his column today:
At 30, it’s remarkable that despite all the laurels tossed Luongo’s way, his accomplishments in the sport up until now have been minimal…But no Olympic glory thus far. In the NHL, meanwhile, there’s no Vezina Trophy, no record of significant Stanley Cup playoff success. Luongo’s two greatest distinctions so far are that he required a bathroom break in the overtime session of a 2007 playoff game and that he served as captain of the Vancouver Canucks this season, the first NHL goalie to do so since Bill Durnan.Otherwise, nice numbers, but not much more.
That’s a rather incredible portrayal of a man who is easily one of the top-five goaltenders in the game today. Since Damien Cox would prefer to dwell on bathroom breaks than reality, here’s a dose of the latter:
- 1997: Mike Bossy Trophy as best QMJHL professional prospect
- 1998: Set record for most shutouts in QMJHL history (7)
- 1999: Named best goaltender and to the all-star team at the World Juniors, won silver medal
- 2002: Played in the NHL Youngstars game
- 2003: NHL 2nd All-Star Team, World Championship Gold medal
- 2004: Set NHL records for most shots faced (2475) and most saves (2303) made in a single season, set Florida Panthers franchise record for most shutouts (7), World Championship Gold Medal, World Cup gold medal, played in the All-Star Game
- 2005: World Championship silver medal
- 2006: Set Florida Panthers franchise record for most wins in a season (35)
- 2007: Set a host of Vancouver Canucks franchise records; wins, save percentage, saves in a single game, set NHL records for most shots faced in a single playoff game and most home games played in a single season, played in the All-Star Game, named to the 2nd All-Star Team
- 2009: Played in the NHL All-Star game, set more Canucks franchise records: shutouts, shutouts in a season, and shutout streak
In other words, Damien Cox remains a fool. 3 gold and 2 silver medals in a Canadian jersey, along with a host of NHL and team records and a pair of Second All-Star team appearances aren’t bad for a goaltender who has never played for a legitimate contender before.
Right, there’s also a game tonight! 3-0 Vancouver.
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