Roberto Luongo: Hockey Hall Of Fame Class of 2022
It's time to appreciate Luongo's impact on hockey history.
Luongo ranks second in games played (1,044) among NHL goalies to Martin Brodeur (1,266), and fourth in wins (489) behind Brodeur (691), Patrick Roy (551) and Marc-Andre Fleury (525). He's ninth in shutouts (77). Among those who have played at least 250 games, he's tied for sixth in save percentage (.919) with Andrei Vasilevskiy.
He is first in wins (252) and shutouts (38) with the Canucks, and first in wins (230) and shutouts (38) with the Florida Panthers. One other goalie has 200 wins with two teams: Roy, with the Montreal Canadiens (289) and Colorado Avalanche (262).
He won Olympic gold with Canada in 2010 and 2014, and he and Cory Schneider shared the Jennings Trophy in 2010-11, when the Canucks allowed the fewest goals (180) in the NHL. Luongo never won the Stanley Cup or the Vezina Trophy, despite coming incredibly close to each.
The Canucks went to Game 7 of the 2011 Stanley Cup Final, losing to the Boston Bruins, between winning the Presidents' Trophy as the top regular-season team in the NHL twice. Three times, Luongo was a finalist for the Vezina, which goes to the top goalie in the NHL as voted by the general managers. In 2006-07, he was runner-up to Brodeur for the Vezina and to Crosby for the Hart Trophy, which goes to the most valuable player in the NHL as voted by the Professional Hockey Writers Association.
Luongo was selected by the New York Islanders with the No. 4 pick in the 1997 NHL Draft. He was the first goalie picked in top five since the Montreal Canadiens chose Michel Plasse with the No. 1 pick of the 1968 NHL Draft. After one season with the Islanders and five with the Panthers, Luongo reached his peak with the Canucks from 2006-14.
Luongo was the Canucks captain from 2008-10. He is the only goalie to serve as a captain in the NHL since Bill Durnan did it with the Canadiens in 1947-48. Luongo's legacy transcends his playing career. Before making 33 saves in a 3-2 win against the Washington Capitals on Feb. 22, 2018, Luongo gave an important speech. It was the Panthers' first home game after 17 people died in a shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.
In addition to his on-ice accomplishments, Luongo is also known for his personality and leadership. He was well-liked by his teammates and fans, and his positive attitude and strong work ethic made him a role model for young players everywhere.
In conclusion, Roberto Luongo's career was one of the most successful and memorable of any goaltender in NHL history. His talent, consistency, and leadership helped to define an era of great hockey, and his legacy will continue to inspire players and fans for years to come.
