Roberto Luongo to start in goal in Canucks playoff opener against San Jose

The speculation is over. Roberto Luongo will get the nod in goal for the Vancouver Canucks when they host the San Jose Sharks in tonight's Stanley Cup playoff opener at Rogers Arena. Cory Schneider remains sidelined with a mysterious injury or ailment meaning Luongo, who lost his starter's job to Schneider in the opening round of last year's playoffs, will lead the Canucks into battle tonight.
 
Schneider took part in the team's morning skate at Rogers Arena and had participated in practice the past two days. However, Luongo met the media after the morning workout and revealed he had been told by coach Alain Vigneault that he would be tonight's starter.
 
Luongo started the final two games of the regular season—dropping a 3-1 decision to Anaheim last Thursday and he was ventilated for seven goals in a 7-2 loss in Edmonton on Saturday night.
 
The Canucks and Sharks open their best of seven Western Conference quarter-final at 7:30 p.m. tonight.