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Luongo close to return to Canucks

Jan 13, 2009 - 2:26 PM New Jersey (24-15-3) at Vancouver (22-17-5) 10:00 p.m. EST

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (Ticker) -- Goaltender Roberto Luongo is on the verge of returning to the Vancouver Canucks.

Before the Canucks welcome Luongo back to the ice, they'll try to snap a two-game losing streak when they meet the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday.

The All-Star Luongo has missed 23 games with a groin injury, but felt good after practicing with the team for 75 minutes on Sunday.

"I feel back to normal, so that's good and I'm excited about it," Luongo said. "It's nice to be back. One full practice after not playing for seven weeks, I'm not sure I'm ready to play a game, but like I said it's nice to be back with the boys and be part of the group again.

"We're full-go right now, I did everything in practice, I didn't hold anything back and I'm just taking it as if I was back playing. I'm ready to go and back to 100 percent."

Luongo, who is 11-5-2 with a 2.17 goals-against average and 92.8 save percentage this season, said he was doubtful for Tuesday's contest but could be back on the ice as soon as Thursday, when Vancouver hosts the Phoenix Coyotes.

The Canucks are anxious for Luongo's return as the team posted a 9-11-3 record in his absence, dropping each of the last two games in regulation.

The Devils dropped to 1-3-0 in their last four games on Sunday, dropping a 4-3 decision to the Anaheim Ducks.

Help could be coming shortly for New Jersey, which reportedly has agreed to terms with free agent Brendan Shanahan.

A three-time Stanley Cup champion with Detroit, Shanahan spent the previous two seasons with the New York Rangers but was not offered a contract in the offseason after recording 23 goals and 23 assists in 73 games last campaign.