Roberto Luongo returns to his former stomping grounds as his Florida Panthers take on the Vancouver Canucks Thursday at 10 p.m. ET. Luongo will square off against his Canucks successor, Ryan Miller, in a goaltending duel ripe with intrigue. This game also marks Luongo's first trip back to Vancouver since his stunning trade last March. The veteran netminder had long been looking for a way out after years of goaltending controversy that culminated when he was passed over for backup Eddie Lack in last season's Heritage Classic. Now, Luongo is backstopping a surging Panthers team that has been one of the league's pleasant surprises. Meanwhile, the 34-year-old Miller, the longtime Buffalo Sabre (and short-time St. Louis Blue) who signed with Vancouver as a free agent in the summer, is trying to lead his new squad back into the playoff hunt after the Canucks missed the postseason last spring.
So far: No longer plagued by the daily dissection of the goaltending hierarchy in Vancouver, Luongo seems to have established a nice rhythm with the Panthers. The 35-year-old enters Thursday's game with a 15-7-7 record, .924 save percentage and a 2.28 goals-against average, ranking in the top 10 in the latter two categories, and behind a young, relatively inexperienced team, no less. Following a long stretch playing for the Buffalo Sabres and a short stint as a trade deadline rental with the St. Louis Blues last season, Miller has already racked up 20 wins since inking a three-year $18 million contract on July 1. Statistically, his numbers are not as strong as Luongo's, but he's not far behind (2.46 goals-against average and .913 save percentage), but keep in mind that's facing much tougher competition in the West. And, most importantly, he has helped the Canucks put themselves in good shape with respect to the playoff picture. The Canucks currently sit in second place in the Pacific Division, tied in points (49) with third-place San Jose Sharks, but with three games in hand.
At least one former NHL goaltender thinks the change of scenery has translated into Miller's improved play. "[There's] not as much pressure on him and he doesn't look as frustrated as he has in the past," the former goalie said. "[The] mental game was a big issue with him and now it's a bit better."
Former NHL goaltender and goaltending coach Corey Hirsch has a similar observation about Luongo, who has escaped the hockey hotbed of Vancouver for the dimmer spotlight of South Florida.
"Now he's on a team where every save and every goal against isn't scrutinized," Hirsch told ESPN.com in a recent telephone conversation. "I guess the difference is confidence."
Style points: Whereas Luongo is known for his butterfly style, Miller is one of the prototypical hybrid goaltenders, a player who mixes elements of both the butterfly and stand-up disciplines into his play. Though technically his game has, at times, been considered a bit erratic, Miller has been able to rely on his athleticism to compensate and provide him success. And his work with Canucks goaltending coach Rollie Melanson might already be paying dividends in that respect. Melanson has tweaked Miller's game to where he now appears to be playing deeper in his own crease and attacking the puck less.
Luongo might not be as athletic, but his ability to adapt his game and incorporate such an acute sense of consistency in his save-making decisions has been a key factor in his longevity in this league. He has had a save percentage over .910 for all but two of his 15 seasons. His new goaltending coach in Florida, Robb Tallas, told ESPN.com during training camp that's what makes him unique. "One thing with him, there's a consistency in his save selection and I think that's rare. For example, if there's a shot off the wall or the wing, you can stop that puck three or four different ways. Louie will stop that puck the same way every time," Tallas said. "There's such a consistency in how he makes the save and the choice he chooses to make the save technically, and I think that's why he has so much consistency, why he doesn't look like he's flopping around or getting out of position."
Accolades and accomplishments: This is not the first time the two goalies have done battle on the big stage. Both Luongo and Miller faced each other at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics in which Luongo's Canadian team took home the gold and Miller's U.S. squad finished with silver, though Miller was named the MVP of the tournament for his outstanding play. Despite all of the drama Luongo has endured, the three-time Vezina Trophy finalist had some wildly successful years, particularly in 2007, when he was a Hart Memorial Trophy finalist. And despite some wretched seasons recently for the floundering Sabres, Miller also accrued impressive honors. The East Lansing, Michigan, native won the Vezina Trophy in 2010 and is the Sabres' all-time leader with 284 career wins. Both players probably have their best years behind them, but are still considered bona fide starters who can bolster a team and provide stability between the pipes. Both players also seem to be beneficiaries of their new landing spots.
"I think they're very similar," Hirsch said. "I think with Ryan coming to Vancouver and updating his game, I think that will extend his career. With Roberto being in Florida, it's like the [less] stress is going to allow him to play a lot longer. If he gets that team into the playoffs, and they do well in the playoffs, all the sudden he's at the top of the list again."
Prediction: Miller has been outstanding as of late, surrendering only eight goals in the last five games while posting a .954 save percentage. Judging purely by the recent numbers, Miller should clearly have the edge here, considering Luongo has been a bit more up and down. But I'm a sentimental type who thinks an emotional return will be stoking Luongo's competitive fire just a bit more than usual Thursday night. Logic might dictate otherwise, but I'll take a Bobby Lou win against his former squad purely for the poetic bookend to this soap opera.