If the sum of something is equal to its parts, are the Canucks better off with three-quarters of Roberto Luongo, or no Roberto Luongo at all?
It’s a tough question to answer especially, considering the team continues to lose despite the fact Luongo is back after missing close to eight weeks with a groin injury.
But in the case of the Canucks Captain of the Crease, I think something is better then nothing. Then again, after watching Luongo play the last couple of games it’s pretty clear that he's still not 100 per cent.
That patented push off, slide and glide butterfly style has been replaced at times lately with an awkward stand up, scramble and dive routine that makes me believe that Bobby Lou still has some healing to do.
Some of it is physical, some of it mental .
Sure, he's a little rusty. You don't sit out 24 games and return right away without missing a beat.
But if you watch closely, it appears Luongo is favouring his groin on either a sub-conscious or conscious level.
His shootout performance against the Blue Jackets, and Rick Nash in particular, speaks volumes.
Since when did one of the most acrobatic, athletic escape artists become so stone-like?
I've heard of shooters ‘freezing’ the goalie before, but Luongo may win an Oscar for his performance portraying the Vancouver 2010 Inukshuk.
Be that as it may, let’s not be too critical of a guy who is trying to help his team pull out of a freefall. The Canucks need their captain more now then ever before, which is why I think Luongo should attend the All-Star game this week as a spectator and not a player. Rest up Roberto, head home and visit with family and friends. Take in all the sights and sounds of this great event, but don't settle in between the pipes and take any shots.
Participating in the skills competition is just a recipe for disaster and going into a glorified game of pond hockey ice cold in the third period won't help heal your groin one bit.
So let Mats Sundin take your place. He, more then anyone, needs to keep playing right now.
More rest for Mats will just lead to more rust, something Sundin is finally starting to work off.
As far as numbers go, maybe Mats doesn't add up to be an all star, but when it comes to star power, he's still considered to be one of the game’s great players.
He needs to play a little pick-up to sharpen his skills.
The guys at 8-rinks in Burnaby are no match for Mats. The Vancouver Giants won't cut it either. So really, the only option for him if he stays in Vancouver is to skate by himself.
So if you add it all up, the equation is not that hard to solve.
Sundin + All Star Trip = much needed shinny for him.
Luongo + All Star Break = much needed wins for the Canucks in the second half of the season.