MacIntyre wonders why not Cory?

VANCOUVER — With the Vancouver Canucks stuck in lockdown in the National Hockey League standings, their best get-out-of-jail card sits unused in coach Alain Vigneault's pocket.

Why isn't Cory Schneider playing tonight against the Phoenix Coyotes?

Why is Roberto Luongo starting for the fifth time in six games when the listing Canucks have lost five out of seven and their goalie has been beaten 11 times in six-plus periods?  More…

Shacks’ Take:  IMac’s not the only one wondering why not Cory, it should be a question on the tip of every Canuck fan’s tongue.  Mike Gillis has tied the Canucks’ hands with his almost lifetime contract for Lui with the no trade clause.   Lui’s contract means this is Schneider’s last season here unless the Aquillini’s want to swallow a massive bill buying out Luongo. 

Lui has not proven capable of leading a team to the promised land and until he does he shouldn’t be getting special treatment.  My two Canuck pet peeves are being revealed today, the lack of protection for the Sedins and the special treatment for Lui. 

Which of these two would you start?

It appears management wants to keep Lui’s confidence up since he will be the goalie here for at least the next five years but if this is indeed Schneider’s last year here, wouldn’t Vancouver be better served using Cory if he’s playing better?  If Luongo turns out to never be consistent enough to win us a cup, Schneider may be the one the Canucks need to get them the goaltending they need to hoist the cup. 

I don’t think it’s in the Canucks short-term interest (which should be their only concern until a cup comes here) to use Luongo only to keep his head straight and his confidence up.  If Schneider’s playing better he should start and if it ruins Lui’s psyche, he isn’t mentally strong enough to be the man anyway. 

We likely have one crack left with Schneider, use him if you need to, you won’t have the luxury next year!