NHL Playoffs 2011, One of the most compelling storylines that will be evident in the opening series of the playoffs between the Blackhawks and Canucks will be the mental battle between Chicago forwards and Vancouver netminder Roberto Luongo.
Roberto Luongo has certainly emerged to be one of the best goalies of his generation. He has twice been a finalist for the Vezina Trophy; not including what could be his first win for that award this season. He also was the first goalie to be a captain since 1948.
But, like Patrick Ewing against the Bulls, and many other examples in sports where a superstar could not beat a team to get 'over the hump'; Luongo has the Blackhawks. Dustin Byfuglien was the craw in his side for the two previous seasons, but he is now with the Atlanta Thrashers.
Luongo when asked this week about Byfuglien refuted that 'Big Buff' was the sole reason, and gave credit to the current Blackhawks.
"I know you guys love to talk about him, but they've got some guys up there that do just as good a job as him," Luongo said. "They got some new players also that are big bodies in their lineup. So, I don't know what to tell you, bud. I don't think ...
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Article written by Joe Favia