Besides, the logistical nature of a captain needing to be mobile at all corners of the ice during the game to address issues with officials makes it difficult for a goalie to hold this post. If it is leadership that is needed though, a player doesn’t need to have the third letter of the alphabet stitched in the upper corner of his sweater to make this known. A team simply needs the leader to have presence in the locker room and make those around him better at what they do.
Simply put, this is the only job of a leader.
In Games One and Two, Luongo was in full control and despite the games being incredibly tight, he knew it was up to him to make the difference if the Canucks were to gain a 2-0 series lead. Clutch saves at key times only helped build confidence and although by the slimmest of margins, secure two home victories, 1-0 and 3-2 (OT) results. The Canucks were on a roll and it even showed at practice before Game Three as
And so the wheels did in fact come off in
Game Five provided the stage for a turnaround and it was Luongo that led the charge. After the pre-game meal, he decided to take a walk on a
Now, although I never played in a Stanley Cup Final or anything near it, I do vividly remember my approach to each game like it meant everything to win it. I was never there just to get exercise or kill time, but to win, shut the door and keep the opponent frustrated. And it is not just about the goaltender’s confidence in himself, but how it impacts the rest of the team. The leader is to make the team better.
While every netminder has a different style to winning, the process is largely psychological and goes a little something like this. The prep work involves tremendous discipline and structure, a routine that even includes the way you walk into the rink, the pace at which you get ready for the game, visualizing great saves, stonewalling your opponent and then finally taking the pre-skate to establish rhythm.
Once the game begins, those first saves mean everything. Save the first one and you gain confidence, then a few more and you are on a roll. And again, it is not just your confidence that grows, but that of your defense and the rest of the team. The goaltender is the rock of the team and they key on the masked warrior from the moment players arrive at the rink to game time. The influence is tremendous.
In
But strong leaders learn to bounce back from adversity. It is what gives them the opportunity to show their leadership. In Luongo’s case, he knew he had to do something different to gain confidence and he knew it was his responsibility to show to his teammates he was confident. Whether the “C” was sewn onto his jersey or not, it didn’t matter. He knew he would have to step up and take charge.
In Game Five, it was no mistake Luongo was intent to make contact with opposing forwards, just to be sure they knew it was his area. He exhibited a laser focus throughout his 31-save performance, securing his second shutout of the Final. When he faced
Now Game Six is upon us. Should Luongo and his Canuck teammates carry Friday night’s success into the TD Garden and nail down a victory, it will be the first time since 1915 that a professional team from
A Final victory Monday will be largely attributable to Luongo’s long and winding journey, the story of a leader who lost his way somewhere in the middle, but regained his form putting the team on his back and carrying it to victory.
It’s time for the All-World goalie to secure his place in history.
Contact Dennis.Morrell@prohockeynews.com
