| noots | 10-31-2011 01:10 AM |
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bonka
(Post 7670486)
Anyway, that is exactly what I mean. His game back then was based on his instincts while relying on physical ability and being intimidating.
Now he's positional, so much to the point where he will now let in a goal to preserve his form, ironic considering how awful he can look letting in those very goals...and his self doubt of course :D He is his own worst enemy.
I wonder if that groin injury he had has anything to do with his style and form now..
| It's more of the change in goalie coaches. When Luongo first came here, Ian Clark was the full time goalie coach and he is noted as one of the best in the business. Then he started up his goalie school and could only commit part-time to the team up until 2010 when they went with Rolie Melanson. That's when Luongo really started moving away from his aggressive style. Some would say that the decline of his play began before that but you could relate that to the lack of an available goalie coach and/or the change in the team's strategy.
And you're right. Luongo's style back then was more like Tim Thomas'. Be aggressive, cut down the angles and play the percentages. If something got by him, it's either the fault of the dmen or it was a great play but it usually worked because of his size advantage. It also left more opportunities to make the "sexy" save that we all miss seeing compared to his passive style. His style now, when he's on his game, doesn't allow him to be in a position where he HAS to make a remarkable save, but it certainly doesn't get the recognition it deserves either. | 