Series underdogs Chicago Blackhawks qualify at the expense of the Canucks

The Vancouver Canucks have been eliminated from the 2010 Stanley Cup playoffs as the Chicago Blackhawks took Vancouver out on home ice last night in 6 games with a 5-1 win.  Roberto Luongo only stopped 30 of 35 shots and his inconsistent play was a major reason why the Canucks were sent packing before the Western Conference finals.

Luongo had his best games in games 1 and 5 of this series however in every other outing against Chicago the 'hawks scored at least 4 goals.

Luongo had been described as shaky in the weeks leading up to the post-season and while Vancouver were still good enough to beat 6th seeded Los Angeles in the first round, Chicago and Johnathan Toews were simply too talented offensively.

Luongo finishes the playoff season with a dismal .895 save percentage one of the worst in the NHL post-season.  Even if many of the goals appeared to be tough saves at this time of year the best goalies rob their opponents of almost sure goals.

Luongo's regular season save percentage of .913 ranked 17th in the league according to NHL.com and if his play can be expected to decline as he ages past his prime, Vancouver fans really have to be hating the fact that there are 'only' 11 years left on his contract.

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