Cory Schneider will start for Vancouver when the Canucks (5-2-2) take on the Minnesota Wild (4-4-1) on Thursday night.
Much has been made about the controversy revolving around Vancouver's goal. Roberto Luongo was expected to be traded out of the city over the summer but remained with the team for the start of the shortened season. Schneider was expected to be the starter but when he struggled Luongo seized the chance to be the number one man once again. The controversy has clearly irked some, including Schneider's manager Mike Luit who requested that the Luongo trade get figured out so that Schneider could get the majority of the starts. "Our concern is we were hoping that this would be the year that Cory would play 75 per cent of the games," Liut said in a phone interview Monday from his Michigan office.
Schneider will get a chance to retain his spot on Thursday. He must improve his 3.13 goals against average and 89.7 save percentage; Luongo has a 1.53 GAA and a 94.0 save percentage.
The Wild will look to end a two game slump. After taking down the Chicago Blackhawks, Minnesota fell 3-1 to Anaheim and 2-1 to Phoenix. "It's a bit frustrating ... we need to play better," " Minnesota defenseman Tom Gilbert said after the loss to Phoenix. "The season is a lot shorter and the urgency has to be there every night. We have to find ways to win."
Previous Meetings: This is the first of four meetings between the division rivals. The Canucks took four of six last season.
Predictions: I think Schneider struggles and Minnesota wins 4-3.
Start Time: 8 PM EST
TV: SNET-Pacific; FS-North, FS-Wisconsin
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