Sanford makes life without Luongo easy for Canucks

Nov 25, 2008 - 12:55 PM By Brian Fitzsimmons PA SportsTicker Staff Writer

Curtis Sanford gave the Vancouver Canucks the kind of sparkling outing in goal for which they are accustomed - and it couldn't have come at a better time.

When star goaltender Roberto Luongo suffered a groin injury on Saturday against the Pittsburgh Penguins, a sense of defeat could've spread over the first-place team. Instead, a potential savior was born.

"It's just taking opportunities when they come and trying to make the most of them," Sanford said. "You hate to see Roberto go down because you care about your teammates. ... Obviously there is a lot of pressure, but this is what we play for. It's something that you embrace and it gets you on your toes and you get out there and play the best you can."

That's exactly what he did Monday, making 32 saves to help the Canucks edge the defending Stanley Cup champion Detroit Red Wings, 3-2, in overtime.

"I felt composed, confident out there," Sanford said. "I felt that I was moving well. It shows that we can battle through adversity.

"We're dealing with it head-on right now. We've got some key players out and we've had some key injuries in the last couple weeks so. We're finding a way to get it done and guys are really stepping it up and playing hard."

Luongo is 11-5-2 with a 2.18 goals-against average and lead the NHL with five shutouts on the season. He is expected to miss at least the next week, but considering Sanford's play, the team may not have to rush him back.

After Luongo went down, Sanford stepped in and stopped 17 of 18 shots against Pittsburgh en route to a 3-1 victory. That effort came a game after he made 28 saves in a win over the Northwest Division rival Minnesota.

The Owen Sound, Ontario native is 33-30-11 over his five-year career and while he recognizes his role with the club, he's making the most of this opportunity.

"I think it just comes with time. I think that every goalie would love to play all the time but I feel that I'm getting a little more comfortable every game and through every period," Sanford said. "That just comes with being in net."

Luckily for the Canucks, the 29-year-old Sanford rose to the occasion again against perhaps the most dangerous offensive team in the NHL.

Detroit, which was held under three goals for just the third time this season, fizzled in overtime as it failed to cover defenseman Sami Salo, who beat Chris Osgood with a hard slap shot from inside the left circle to clinch the win.

Still, it was Sanford who stole the show, fending off a Detroit team which had won seven of eight, with its only blemish coming in a 7-6 overtime loss to the reigning Eastern Conference champion Penguins.

Luongo already is anxious to get back on the ice.

"It's very disappointing and frustrating," Luongo said. "We've been playing great as a team and I've been really happy with my game in the last few weeks. It's really disappointing to have (an injury) like this happen."

Nevertheless, Sanford gave the Canucks a certain confidence that they can survive without their captain, no matter how long he may be sidelined.