The Canucks will induct Roberto Luongo into the team's Ring of Honour Thursday night.
Over his seven-plus season career with the Vancouver Canucks, Roberto Luongo shined. The all-time leader in numerous categories, including regular season wins and shutouts, he is set to become the eighth member of the team's Ring of Honour when Vancouver plays host to the Florida Panthers. One of the greatest players to ever wear a Canucks jersey; here is a look at some interesting facts from his career.
The Only Canuck Goaltender To Play Over 75 Games In A Season
To say Luongo was a workhorse is an understatement. During his Canucks career, he surpassed the 70 games twice, playing 73 in 2007-08 and 76 in 2006-07. He also proved how valuable he was to the team, recording 82 of Vancouver's 88 wins over those two seasons. Dynamic at both ends of the ice, he was also able to contribute offensively, recording five assists over that 149-game period.
The Only Goalie In Franchise History to Win 40 Games In A Season
Over his career, Luongo achieved quite a few firsts in Canucks history, including being the first goaltender in franchise history to win 40 games in a season. To this day, he is still the only goaltender to hit 40+ wins, which came in 2006-07 and 2009-10. Based on goaltender deployment in today's game, it may be a while before someone else joins him in the franchise's 40-win club.
Holds The Top Three Spots For Most Saves In A Playoff Game In Franchise History
Luongo is no stranger to facing a lot of shots in big games. In fact, he holds the top three spots in franchise history for most saves in a playoff game. While his 54-save performance against the San Jose Sharks in 2011 and 56-save night against the Anaheim Ducks in 2007 were impressive, nothing compares to his heroic 72-save performance against the Dallas Stars in Game 1 of the 2007 Quarterfinals. A game few will forget; it was one of the greatest goaltending performances in Canucks history.
Finished Second In Hart Voting During The 2006-07 Season Yet Did Not Win The Vezina
The 2006-07 season was one of Luongo's best in the NHL. He set a career-high in wins with 47 and finished second in Hart voting behind 19-year-old Sidney Crosby, who also had a career year with 120 points. Even though he finished above Broduer for the Hart, the New Jersey Devils goaltender slightly edged him out for the Veznia, finishing six voting points ahead when all the ballots were counted. Even though he didn't walk away with a trophy, his performance that season remains one of the best in the NHL over the last 30 years.
The Only Goaltender In NHL History To Win Gold At The Olympics In His NHL Arena.
One of Luongo's greatest accomplishments in his career was winning Gold at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. With the victory, he became the only goaltender in NHL history to win a Gold Medal in his home team's arena. From his game-saving stop in overtime seconds before the golden goal was scored to skating around the ice while waving a massive Canadian flag, it remains one of the most significant hockey moments in Vancouver's history.