Both Roberto Luongo and Cory Schneider were given their fare share of opportunities to grab the reins in goal and get the Canucks back in the series.  They each started two games in the four game sweep and neither of them were able to steal a game that would have gotten the series back to Vancouver for game 5.

Now the off-season is upon the Canucks and it’s just a matter of time before the trade rumors surrounding Roberto Luongo will again start to blow.  Only this time the winds of trade will be stronger than a slight breeze; more comparable to that of gale force winds.

It has become evident that Luongo will be the odd man out in Vancouver.  GM Mike Gillis was apparently close to a deal at this year’s April trade deadline and aside from him not wanting to absorb any of Luongo’s ridiculous contract, a trade was said to be in place with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

With the Leafs on the brink of elimination in their opening round series, it’s hard to say if they’ll take another run at Luongo this summer.  James Reimer has been good for the buds, but he hasn’t been great, leaving many to wonder if he’s the answer in Toronto.

A market will surely develop for Luongo given every team is in the same boat come July 3 when free agency opens up.  Every club will have playoff aspirations and plans on upgrading their roster by shelling out barrels of cash to try and land the top fish on the market.

With the list of free-agent goaltenders being somewhat shallow this summer, Luongo’s trade value could increase should multiple teams show interest.  Where he will end up is any one’s guess but one thing is almost certain, Roberto Luongo will be traded.

Perhaps one of the biggest NHL dramas is about to finally draw the curtain on it’s production. All we have to do now is hurry up and wait for the deal to happen which possibly means months of hearing about the rumors.

May 1, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins left wing Jussi Jokinen (36) is attended to by Penguins trainer Chris Stewart (right) after Jokinen was injured against the New York Islanders during the third period in game one of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs at CONSOL Energy Center. the Pittsburgh Penguins won 5-0. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

James Neal and Jussi Jokinen both left the Pittsburgh Penguins game last night against the New York Islanders with undisclosed injuries. Jokinen has declared himself ready to play on Friday but ESPN reported that Neal was not at practice today. Neal just returned from a concussion, no details have been released on his injury but it is thought to be lower-body, Neal is considered day-to-day. In other Penguins news Sidney Crosby skated with his regular linemates in practice today but still has not been cleared to play.

There was some good news for the Detroit Red Wings today regarding Todd Bertuzzi. It has been confirmed that he will be playing in tonight’s game against the Ananheim Ducks.

According to Mark Spector Cory Schneider did not participate in Vancouver Canucks practice today.

Jason Pominville was not at Minnesota Wild practice today and will not be participating in Friday’s game against the Chicago Blackhawks.

March 28, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) at the face-off circle against the Winnipeg Jets during the third period at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Pittsburgh Penguins won 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Sidney Crosby is seeking medical clearance today or Friday for an imminent return. He will not be playing in the game tonight as on top of an examination to be cleared he also has extensive dental work to still be done. The prospective return date at the moment is the Pittsburgh Penguins first game of the playoffs. When Crosby does return he will still need to wear the jaw protector as a hit to the jaw could cause a major set back to his recovery.

The Vancouver Canucks are probably very thankful that they didn’t trade Roberto Luongo right now as Cory Schneider is day-to-day with an undisclosed injury. Now it was initially thought that Schneider was actually healthy and the Canucks just wanted to rest him before the playoffs but coach Alain Vigneault was quick to shoot that down when he spoke to the media:

“If he was healthy, he’d be practising. He’s got an injury that, obviously, at this time, we’re not willing to disclose.”

Apr 20, 2013; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks goaltender Cory Schneider (35) during the second period against the Detroit Red Wings at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports

This whole undisclosed thing has me really curious. Is it an embarrassing injury? Is it more severe than day-to-day? Is it Luongo’s doing? So many questions. What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comment box below, on facebook, on twitter (@kcapp22 or @TMMotS), or by email (tmmots@yahoo.ca).