Back Up Goalie? I Don't Think So

The Canucks got on a roll tonight in the last 8 minutes against Calgary on their way to a 4-1 win.  This was also made possible by the outstanding goal-tending of Mr Roberto Luongo who had an amazing 40 saves tonight and was quick to read the plays made by the eager Flames.

Luongo was called to start after Cory Schneider was reported to have the flu, which ended a streak of 11 straight starts for Schneider.  Tonight's game made me realize how much I enjoyed seeing Luo back in net. The Canucks have two great goalies and no one else in the league has this advantage. So why not use them both? Seems like it was a great strategy in the beginning. Looked like the pressure was off of both Luongo and Schneider. So my question is why did we stop switching the two?

As far as I can see we need Luongo. When given the opportunity he shows us that he is a star and a lead goalie. I just have more confidence in the team knowing he is here and because any other back up just isn't good enough. No offense Dustin Butler.

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Canucks Smell Playoffs Around the Corner

The Vancouver Canucks extended their winning streak to 4 games and are now 10 - 2 in their last 12.  Pretty decent considering they haven't played any of those games without their full complement of starters.  In fact, the line-up they dressed in some of those games closer resembled an AHL team then the usual Canucks squad we've gotten used to.
Even with a full line-up, 10 - 2 is impressive.  To do it with a depleted roster is almost jaw-dropping.  I've been critical of Canucks head coach Alain Vigneault in the past, and I'm still not convinced he can fully get the job done, however, credit where credit is due.  He's managed to not only keep the team competitive while missing multiple starters, dealing with the 2 headed goalie "champagne problem" as well as rampant trade deadline speculation, he has kept them absolutely rolling.  So I lay bouquets at the feet of the coach.

                                                                         

Canadians featured at running back in the CFL

Unlike any other time in the CFL have we seen the quantity and quality of Canadian running back as we have in the last few seasons.  Sure, there have been many good Canadian running backs in CFL seasons gone by, such as Normie Kwong, Orville Lee, Sean Millington and others but for the most part, the role of the Canadian running back was that of a fullback, or blocking back, making holes for the import running back.  That's just the way its always been...until now.
We are witnessing a golden generation of Canadian running backs; not just good enough to get playing time, but dominating at the position.
Last year we saw Jerome Messam have a dominant season for the Edmonton Eskimos winning Top Canadian honours and getting a shot in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins where he was a late cut.  Messam is back with the Eskimos and has fellow Canadian Calvin McCarty in the backfield with him.
But the two biggest stories this year are New Westminster, BC's Jon Cornish of the Calgary Stampeders who currently leads the league in rushing, and BC Lions star and Winnipeg native Andrew Harris who has a chance to have 1000 rushing yards and 1000 receiving yards by the end of the season.
These two are leading their teams and dominating CFL defenses this season.  While both have a lot in common as far as CFL success goes, their path to pro-football couldn't have been any different.
Jon Cornish starred in the NCAA for The University of Kansas, while Harris played BC junior football.

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Lions hold off Stamps for 1st in West

The BC Lions strengthened their hold on first place in the CFL's Western Division by holding off the Calgary Stampeders by a score of 27-22.  Calgary threatened late, driving the ball upfield looking for a game-winning touchdown, but a fantastic interception by Ryan Phillips thwarted the Stampeders late charge.
Despite not having star regulars Geroy Simon, Arland Bruce III, and Khalif Mitchell in the lineup, the Lions powered through behind strong performances from Phillips, Travis Lulay, Andrew Harris and Adam Bighill.
The BC Lions improve their record to 10-4 with 4 games to play in the regular season, while Calgary falls to 8-6.

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