Luongo to undergo MRI today
GM Mike Gillis has announced after consultation with team doctors, that Canucks' injured star goaltender Roberto Luongo has an adductor strain (groin) and his return status is week-to-week.
Luongo underwent an MRI today and his prognosis is more positive than many were originally anticipating.
There was no damage to the muscle and Luongo is on the way to recovery, having already started rehab. There is no definitive timeline for his return but he's adamant he will not play until he is 100 percent.
The Canucks will have some added strength on the blueline as Sami Salo who missed two games with the flu is expected to step back into the lineup. D-man Kevin Bieksa is still out with a fractured foot, but did skate this morning prior to the team skate. Forward Rick Rypien who has missed 12 games with a sports hernia injury is also recovering well.
"Sami is a game time decision but it looks good for him tonight," said Vigneault. "And Kevin should be able to skate with us in the next couple of days. It looks good there too."
Vancouver Canuck fans everywhere had a synchronized gasp Saturday morning when they saw captain, Luongo sprawled on his stomach motionless. Luongo left the game assisted off the ice by his teammates and putting no pressure on his left leg.
"It's very disappointing and frustrating," said Luongo. "We've been playing great as a team and I've been really happy with my game in the last few weeks. It's really disappointing to have something like this happen."
+ Click for larger photoEarly reports say he has suffered a groin pull but the extent of the injury will be confirmed after an MRI Monday.
Back up goaltender Curtis Sanford will start in net tonight as the Canucks face off against the Red Wings. Sanford stepped up in Luongo's absence Saturday and he and team took the two points out of Pittsburgh.
"It's just taking opportunities when they come and try to make the most of them," said Sanford. "You hate to see Roberto go down because you care about your teammates. The guys rallied around him and did a great job. They played awesome and the last two nights have just been unbelievable for us.
"Obviously there is a lot of pressure, but this is what we play for. It's something that you embrace and it gets you on your toes and you get out there and play the best you can."
The Canucks recalled Cory Schneider from the Manitoba Moose following the game Saturday, to back up Sanford tonight when the team takes on Detroit. Vigneault will decide on a night to night basis who will be starting in net while Luongo is out. Schneider will be ready to go whenever the team needs him.
“You never want to see anyone get hurt, especially Louie, who’s so vital to the team, but it’s exciting opportunity for me and hopefully we can weather the storm while he’s out,” said Schneider. “I don’t think it’s so much about me, as it is about Louie getting better and Curtis getting his chance to show what he can do. You've always got to be ready."
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