Schneider replaces Luongo for Game 6
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CHICAGO -- Despite being adamant since the end of Game 5 that Roberto Luongo was his starting goalie, Canucks coach Alain Vigneault had a change of heart somewhere between late Thursday night and Sunday because Cory Schneider will get the start for Vancouver in Game 6 against Chicago at United Center.
Luongo was replaced by Schneider in each of the last two games and has given up 10 goals on 40 shots in his last 65-plus minutes. The Blackhawks forced the need for a Game 6 by winning the last two games by a combined 12-2.
Luongo, a Vezina Trophy finalist this season, had a 32-save shutout in Game 1, but now has a 3.67 goals-against average and .885 save percentage in the series. But it should also be noted that he did appear to injure himself in Game 4 when he reached back awkwardly to stop a shot from Bryan Bickell.
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He has given up four or more goals in seven of 17 career playoff games against the Blackhawks.
Schneider made six saves in 16 minutes of relief in Game 4 and 13 saves in 39 minutes of relief in Game 5. He allowed a goal in each game and has a 2.20 GAA and .905 save percentage in the series.
Schneider, a 25-year-old from Massachusetts, chipped in and won the Jennings Trophy in the regular season with Luongo. He was 16-4-2 with a .929 save percentage, 2.23 GAA and one shutout.
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Vigneault quickly answered in the affirmative when he was asked after Game 5 if Luongo would start Game 6. Sunday morning from the Canucks' team hotel he said, "Roberto is our goalie. It's that simple."
Not Sunday night.
Follow Dan Rosen on Twitter: @drosennhl