Canucks turn back to Luongo in net

ST. LOUIS -- The Vancouver Canucks, on the heels of a 5-1 loss at Minnesota Thursday night, will go back to Roberto Luongo tonight against the Blues.

The Canucks (6-6-1) had an optional skate at Scottrade Center, with Luongo (4-3-1 with a 3.20 goals-against average and .883 save percentage) and defensemen Andrew Alberts and Aaron Rome (hand injury) as the only skaters.

"I think we're all disappointed with the performance last night," said Luongo, who did not play as backup Cory Schneider stopped 40 shots. "It's a good thing we get to play the next day and make sure that we come out with a good performance and redeem ourselves here."

Luongo, after backstopping the Canucks to a 5-1 win Tuesday in Calgary with a 28-save performance, had arguably his best performance of the season and hopes to continue that tonight.

"I just wanted to make sure I got a good sweat this morning and feel good about seeing the puck and feeling the puck and have a good feeling for tonight's game," Luongo said.

The Canucks and Blues have had a tight series in recent past, with the winning team scoring three goals in each of the last six games. The Canucks saw a two-game winning streak snapped with Thursday's loss and hope to build another one.

"We weren't really happy with the way we executed and the effort level last night," defenseman Dan Hamhuis said. "We've got to put that behind us ... maybe use it as motivation, too, and play a lot better tonight."

Back to top