Schneider Called In to Stop the Bleeding

He was quick to criticize the methods of Boston Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas after squeaking out a 1-0 win in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals, but it was Vancouver goalie Roberto Luongo who found himself yanked and sitting on the bench in the early-goings of Game 6 Monday night.

After Luongo gave up four weak first-period goals to a Boston Bruins club that was playing with their backs against the wall, Vancouver Canucks head coach Alain Vigneault tapped Marblehead native Cory Schneider to stop the bleeding. And although he would end up giving up two more tough goals before the game was over, even those calling the game couldn't help but comment on his stellar effort between the pipes at the TD Garden Monday night.

Schneider, who played for in his freshman year and later started in the net at Boston College, recorded 30 saves over 49 minutes  and successfully slowed down a Bruins offense that looked ready to light the lamp all night. Throughout the second and third periods, Marblehead sports fans cheered as their Bruins moved closer to a deciding Game 7 and Schneider made them proud with several miraculous saves.

With 10:15 left in the first period, Schneider was beaten when Michael Ryder redirected a Thomas Kaberle slapshot over his left shoulder and into the roof of the net. After watching the replay, announcers confessed that there was little Schneider could have done differently.

Then, a little under 7 minutes into the third period, the young man from Marblehead was beaten again, this time by David Krejci, who snuck a power play goal past a sprawling Schneider, who just seconds beforehand made a miraculous save deep in the crease.

All in all it was another excellent showing for Schneider. Although the Canucks are once again expected to start Luongo in Game 7, which will be played in Vancouver Wednesday night, expect his leash to be much shorter and don't be surprised if he is yanked after giving up another set of first-period goals.

How do you think Cory Schneider played Monday night? Do you think he's earned the chance to start in Game 7? Let us know in our comments section.