Luongo comes off bench for Canucks after Schneider allows 3 goals in 3 minutes

The Canadian Press

VANCOUVER - Hold off on the Roberto Luongo trade rumours for now.

The veteran goaltender made an unexpected appearance in the Vancouver Canucks' season opener Saturday night against the Anaheim Ducks.

Vancouver's former No. 1 netminder replaced new starter Cory Schneider six and half minutes into the second period after the Canucks surrendered three quick goals.

Schneider was pulled after allowing goals to Corey Perry and Kyle Palmeiri just 11 seconds apart, although defensive gaffes by his teammates created the opportunities. Daniel Winnik's second goal of the game came roughly three minutes earlier.

Luongo, 32, was expected to be traded after Schneider displaced him as Vancouver's starter during the first round of last season's Stanley Cup playoffs.

But Vancouver general manager Mike Gillis has found no takers since Luongo said after the season he would waive his no-trade clause.

The Canucks signed Schneider to a new three-year, US$12-million contract in June.