Editing Roberto Luongo (section)

==Playing career==

===Junior career (1995–1999)===
The [[Val-d'Or Foreurs]] made Luongo the highest-drafted goaltender in [[Quebec Major Junior Hockey League]] (QMJHL) history, at second overall, in 1995.<ref name=sportsill/> He began his [[junior ice hockey|junior]] career in the [[1995–96 QMJHL season|1995–96 season]] with Val-d'Or and posted six wins in 23 games played. As the team's starting goaltender the following season in [[1996–97 QMJHL season|1996–97]], he improved to a team-record 32 wins,<ref name=32wins>{{vcite news |title=Pickard proud of New Brunswick roots |url=http://telegraphjournal.canadaeast.com/sports/article/528643 |access-date=February 5, 2010 |date=January 3, 2009 |work=[[Telegraph-Journal]] |accessdate=February 6, 2010 |archive-date=March 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120327111952/http://telegraphjournal.canadaeast.com/sports/article/528643 }}</ref> and was awarded the [[Mike Bossy Trophy]] as the league's best professional prospect.<ref name=bossy>{{vcite web |title=Les honneurs individuels / Individual Awards |url=http://www.lhjmq.qc.ca/navcache/getcontents.php?currentpath=/root/Honneurs/GUIDE_SECT4_HonneursIND_de1969a2007.pdf |access-date=August 24, 2008 |publisher=[[Quebec Major Junior Hockey League]] |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081031111511/http://www.lhjmq.qc.ca/navcache/getcontents.php?currentpath=%2Froot%2FHonneurs%2FGUIDE_SECT4_HonneursIND_de1969a2007.pdf |archive-date=October 31, 2008}}</ref> After his performance at the 1997 [[CHL Top Prospects Game]], opposing coach [[Don Cherry]] likened Luongo to [[Montreal Canadiens]]' [[Hockey Hall of Fame]]r [[Ken Dryden]], while [[NHL Central Scouting Bureau]] director Frank Bonello heralded him as a "franchise goaltender".<ref name=sportsill/>

At the [[1997 NHL Entry Draft]], Luongo was selected in the first round, fourth overall, by the [[New York Islanders]]. The pick originally belonged to the [[Toronto Maple Leafs]] but was traded to the Islanders in exchange for [[Wendel Clark]], [[Mathieu Schneider]] and [[D. J. Smith (ice hockey)|D. J. Smith]].<ref name="Ross">{{vcite news |title=Isles create trade deficit |work=[[New York Daily News]] |date=January 14, 1999 |author=Sherry Ross }}</ref><ref>{{vcite news |title=Oilers' recent success adds more intrigue to Draftgate |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/columns/story?columnist=cox_damien&id=3302375 |author=Damien Cox |work=[[ESPN]] |date=March 20, 2008 |access-date=August 23, 2008 |archive-date=September 22, 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080922185810/http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/columns/story?columnist=cox_damien&id=3302375 }}</ref> At the time of the draft, Luongo was the highest-picked goaltender in NHL history,<ref>{{vcite news|title=The First to Go Fourth|url=https://www.si.com/vault/1997/06/30/228923/the-first-to-go-fourth-roberto-luongo-was-drafted-earlier-than-any-other-netminder-in-nhl-history-does-that-mean-the-league-is-finally-changing-the-way-it-sizes-up-goalies|access-date=December 17, 2019|date=June 30, 1997|work=[[Sports Illustrated]]|author=David Fleming|accessdate=December 18, 2019|archive-date=August 11, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140811172932/http://www.si.com/vault/1997/06/30/228923/the-first-to-go-fourth-roberto-luongo-was-drafted-earlier-than-any-other-netminder-in-nhl-history-does-that-mean-the-league-is-finally-changing-the-way-it-sizes-up-goalies}}</ref> surpassing [[Tom Barrasso]], [[John Davidson (ice hockey)|John Davidson]], and [[Ray Martynuik]]'s fifth overall selections in [[1983 NHL Entry Draft|1983]], [[1973 NHL Amateur Draft|1973]], and [[1970 NHL Amateur Draft|1970]] (Luongo's selection was later surpassed by [[Rick DiPietro]]'s first overall selection by the Islanders in [[2000 NHL Entry Draft|2000]]).<ref>{{vcite news|title=Lining Up For a Shot at Luongo|url=http://www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-xpm-1997-06-20-9706200392-story.html|access-date=December 17, 2019|date=June 20, 1997|work=[[Hartford Courant]]|author=Mark Pukalo|accessdate=December 18, 2019|archive-date=December 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191218031949/https://www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-xpm-1997-06-20-9706200392-story.html}}</ref><ref>{{vcite news|title=DiPietro first goalie to go first overall|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/draft00/s/2000/0624/601853.html|access-date=December 17, 2019|date=June 24, 2000|work=[[ESPN]]|agency=[[Associated Press]]|accessdate=December 18, 2019|archive-date=April 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403174639/http://www.espn.com/nhl/draft00/s/2000/0624/601853.html}}</ref><ref name="sportsillustrated.cnn.com">{{vcite news|title=Net results: Goalies a rare breed in first round of NHL Draft|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/statitudes/facethefacts/news/1999/06/25/goalies_nhldraft/index.html|access-date=December 17, 2019|date=June 28, 1999|work=[[Sports Illustrated]]|author=Ryan Hunt|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040617203310/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/statitudes/facethefacts/news/1999/06/25/goalies_nhldraft/index.html|archive-date=June 17, 2004|url-status=dead}}</ref>{{#tag:ref|This acknowledgement excludes the NHL Amateur Drafts from 1963 to 1969. [[Michel Plasse]] was selected first overall in the [[1968 NHL Amateur Draft]] at a time when teams obtained prospects through sponsoring them at a young age, rather than the draft process.|group=note}}

Upon his draft, Luongo continued to play junior with the Foreurs in [[1997–98 QMJHL season|1997–98]]. He recorded 27 wins and a 3.09 [[goals against average]] (GAA). His seven [[shutout]]s tied [[Nick Sanza]]'s QMJHL record, set in [[1974–75 QMJHL season|1974–75]] ([[Adam Russo]] later tied it as well in [[2002–03 QMJHL season|2002–03]]).<ref name=qmjhlrecords>{{vcite web |title=Goaltender records |url=http://www.lhjmq.qc.ca/navcache/getcontents.php?currentpath=/root/Stats_records/GUIDE_SECT5_GB_Gd200809.pdf |access-date=February 5, 2010 |publisher=[[Quebec Major Junior Hockey League]] |format=PDF }}{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

Although the Islanders planned to have Luongo play in the NHL for the [[1998–99 NHL season|1998–99 season]], an inconsistent performance at training camp led to Luongo's return to the QMJHL that season.<ref name=NYTimes>{{vcite news|title=Hockey; A Goalie Is in the Islanders' Future |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9B04E3DD1631F933A25752C0A96F958260 |date=January 10, 1999 |access-date=August 24, 2008 |work=[[New York Times]] |author=Tarik El-Bashir |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130104064210/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9B04E3DD1631F933A25752C0A96F958260 |archive-date=January 4, 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Owing to having failed to come to terms on a contract before October 1, 1998, Luongo was not allowed to be called up to the Islanders from junior over the course of the subsequent season.<ref name=NYTimes/> He started the season with Val-d'Or but was traded to the [[Acadie-Bathurst Titan]] during the [[1999 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships|1999 World Junior Championships]] for the remainder of the [[1998–99 QMJHL season|1998–99 season]]. He went on to lead the Titan to his second consecutive President's Cup championship with a 2.74 GAA in 23 games. He finished his QMJHL playoff career with the all-time league record in games played (56), minutes played (3,264:22), wins (38) and shots faced (1,808).<ref name=qmjhlalltime>{{vcite web|home=Welcome on the official QMJHL web site|title=QMJHL's all-time records|url=http://38.108.70.85/xsl/records/book/index2.php?lang=en#a1|access-date=March 27, 2010|author=[[Quebec Major Junior Hockey League]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425152701/http://38.108.70.85/xsl/records/book/index2.php?lang=en#a1|archive-date=April 25, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===New York Islanders (1999–2000)===
After his performance at the [[1999 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships|1999 World Junior Championships]], Luongo was signed by the Islanders to a three-year, $2.775&nbsp;million contract on January 8, 1999.<ref name=NYTimes/> The [[1999–2000 AHL season|following season]], he made his professional debut with the [[Lowell Lock Monsters]], the Islanders' [[American Hockey League]] (AHL) affiliate. Early in the season, Luongo was called up to the Islanders on November 22, 1999, after a shoulder injury to back up [[Wade Flaherty]].<ref name=fuhr/> He made his NHL debut six days later on November 28, stopping 43 shots in a 2–1 win against the [[Boston Bruins]].<ref>{{vcite news |title=Isles Rookie Stifles Bruins |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/isles-rookie-stifles-bruins/ |work=[[CBS News]] |date=November 28, 1999 |access-date=April 21, 2008 |archive-date=November 3, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103195533/http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/1999/11/28/archive/main72069.shtml }}</ref> Luongo's early performances solidified him as the Islanders' starting goaltender over veteran [[Félix Potvin]].<ref name=fuhr/> Nearly a month after Luongo's debut in New York, Potvin was traded to the [[Vancouver Canucks]] on December 19 in exchange for backup goaltender [[Kevin Weekes]].<ref>{{vcite news |title=Hockey; Weekes Sees Bright Side Of Trade to Islanders |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/12/21/sports/hockey-weekes-sees-bright-side-of-trade-to-islanders.html |access-date=February 1, 2010 |date=December 21, 1999 |work=[[New York Times]] |accessdate=February 18, 2017 |archive-date=September 15, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170915015121/http://www.nytimes.com/1999/12/21/sports/hockey-weekes-sees-bright-side-of-trade-to-islanders.html }}</ref> The next month, he recorded his first career NHL shutout in his eighth game, stopping 34 shots in a 3–0 victory over the Bruins on December 27.<ref>{{vcite news |title=Hockey; Isles Get on Winning Track With Luongo's First Shutout |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/12/28/sports/hockey-isles-get-on-winning-track-with-luongo-s-first-shutout.html |access-date=February 1, 2010 |date=December 28, 1999 |work=[[New York Times]] |accessdate=February 18, 2017 |archive-date=December 20, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220141342/http://www.nytimes.com/1999/12/28/sports/hockey-isles-get-on-winning-track-with-luongo-s-first-shutout.html }}</ref>

In January 2000, Luongo was publicly criticized by Islanders [[General manager (ice hockey)|general manager]] [[Mike Milbury]] for having gone looking for an apartment in New York on a game day before letting in seven goals to the [[Boston Bruins]].<ref name=apartment/> Milbury told the media, "You can't do that in the NHL. You have to prepare yourself." Luongo defended himself by saying he did not divert from his usual game day routine by looking at just one apartment.<ref name=apartment>{{vcite news|title=Isles' Luongo hoping to stop Milbury's shots|date=January 14, 2000|work=[[New York Daily News]]|author=Anthony McCarron}}</ref>

In the off-season, the Islanders selected goaltender [[Rick DiPietro]] with the first overall pick in the [[2000 NHL Entry Draft]]. DiPietro's selection supplanted Luongo as the highest-drafted goaltender in NHL history and the Islanders' goaltender of the future.<ref name=dipietro/> Consequently, Milbury traded Luongo to the [[Florida Panthers]] along with centre [[Olli Jokinen]] for winger [[Mark Parrish]] and centre [[Oleg Kvasha]] that same day on June 24, 2000.<ref name=dipietro>{{vcite news |title=Goalie goes first in NHL draft |url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/goalie-goes-first-in-nhl-draft-1.199108 |access-date=January 24, 2018 |date=June 24, 2000 |work=[[CBC Sports]] |accessdate=January 24, 2018 |archive-date=December 13, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171213093652/http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/goalie-goes-first-in-nhl-draft-1.199108 }}</ref> The deal would later be seen to have disproportionately benefited the Panthers, as both Jokinen and Luongo would eventually develop into star players, in contrast to Parrish and Kvasha.<ref>{{vcite news |title=Islanders' GM Milbury Follows Coach Stirling Out the Door |url=http://www.nysun.com/sports/islanders-gm-milbury-follows-coach-stirling-out/25868/ |author=Kevin Greenstein |access-date=August 30, 2008 |date=January 13, 2006 |work=[[New York Sun]] |accessdate=August 30, 2008 |archive-date=January 13, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090113153749/http://www.nysun.com/sports/islanders-gm-milbury-follows-coach-stirling-out/25868/ }}</ref> Later in his career, Luongo expressed surprise at the trade, saying that before the Islanders drafted DiPietro, he had believed the team was preparing to make him its starting goaltender for the upcoming season.<ref>{{vcite news |title=The Home Stretch |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/roberto-luongo-parkland-florida-panthers-big-read/ |access-date=December 22, 2019 |work=[[Sportsnet]] |author=Ryan Dixon |accessdate=December 22, 2019 |archive-date=December 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191222223522/https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/roberto-luongo-parkland-florida-panthers-big-read/ }}</ref>

===Florida Panthers (2000–2006)===
[[File:Roberto Luongo 2005.jpg|thumb|left|Luongo with the Panthers in November 2005. Luongo has always worn the number "1" in the NHL.|alt=An ice hockey goaltender removing his mask. He wears a white and orange jersey with the number "1" on his elbow.]]
The Panthers' organization expressed high praise for Luongo following the trade. General manager [[Bryan Murray (ice hockey)|Bryan Murray]] characterized him as "a franchise guy", while [[coach (ice hockey)|head coach]] [[Terry Murray]] added "He's the guy teams have to have to win the [[Stanley Cup]]."<ref>{{vcite news |title=16 Florida Panthers |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1020664/index.htm |access-date=February 1, 2010 |date=October 16, 2000 |work=[[CNN Sports Illustrated]] |accessdate=February 2, 2010 |archive-date=June 4, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604120110/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1020664/index.htm }}</ref> He entered his first training camp with the Panthers competing for the starting role with veteran goaltender [[Trevor Kidd]]; coach Terry Murray opted to begin the season with Kidd owing to his experience.<ref>{{vcite news |title=N.H.:.: Roundup; Hasek Injured In Sabres' 4–2 Victory |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/10/06/sports/nhl-roundup-hasek-injured-in-sabres-4-2-victory.html |access-date=February 1, 2010 |date=October 6, 2000 |work=[[New York Times]] |accessdate=February 18, 2017 |archive-date=October 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181029071519/https://www.nytimes.com/2000/10/06/sports/nhl-roundup-hasek-injured-in-sabres-4-2-victory.html }}</ref> Luongo made his first start with the Panthers on October 9, 2000, making 18 saves in a 4–2 loss to the Boston Bruins.<ref>{{vcite news |title=Bruins continue their quick start |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=wOEdAAAAIBAJ&sjid=028DAAAAIBAJ&pg=4840,9154136&dq=roberto+luongo+4-2+bruins+panthers&hl=en |access-date=February 1, 2010 |date=October 10, 2000 |work=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]] |accessdate=September 10, 2017 |archive-date=October 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201007122824/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=wOEdAAAAIBAJ&sjid=028DAAAAIBAJ&pg=4840,9154136&dq=roberto+luongo+4-2+bruins+panthers&hl=en }}</ref> When splitting the goaltending duties, Luongo went on to appear in 43 games, in comparison to Kidd's 42. He finished his [[2000–01 NHL season|2000–01]] rookie season (Luongo qualified as a rookie because he had not played in at least 26 games the previous season with New York)<ref>{{vcite web|title=Calder Memorial Trophy |url=http://www.nhl.com/trophies/calder.html |access-date=February 8, 2010 |publisher=[[National Hockey League]] |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060423011518/http://www.nhl.com/trophies/calder.html |archive-date=April 23, 2006}}</ref> by notching a franchise record fifth shutout of the season in a 3–0 win against the [[New York Rangers]] on April 7, 2001.<ref>{{vcite news |title=Red Wings set record with home win |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=i84vAAAAIBAJ&sjid=yDsDAAAAIBAJ&pg=3439,3283124&dq=roberto+luongo+fifth+shutout+franchise+record&hl=en |access-date=February 1, 2010 |date=April 8, 2001 |work=[[Rome News-Tribune]] |accessdate=September 10, 2017 |archive-date=October 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201006070909/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=i84vAAAAIBAJ&sjid=yDsDAAAAIBAJ&pg=3439,3283124&dq=roberto+luongo+fifth+shutout+franchise+record&hl=en }}</ref> The total surpassed [[John Vanbiesbrouck]]'s four-shutout mark, set in both the [[1994–95 NHL season|1994–95]] and [[1997–98 NHL season|1997–98]] seasons.<ref name=panthersshutouts>{{vcite web |title=Career Stats – Regular season – Florida Panthers – Goalie – Goalie Single Season Leaders for Team – Shutouts |url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/careerstats.htm?fetchKey=00002FLOGAHAll&sort=shutOuts&viewName=careerLeadersSingleSeasonGoaliesForTeam |access-date=February 5, 2010 |publisher=[[National Hockey League]] |accessdate=February 6, 2010 |archive-date=June 4, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604115959/http://www.nhl.com/ice/careerstats.htm?fetchKey=00002FLOGAHAll&sort=shutOuts&viewName=careerLeadersSingleSeasonGoaliesForTeam }}</ref> He posted a 12–24–7 record with the struggling Panthers, who finished 12th in the [[Eastern Conference (NHL)|Eastern Conference]], while recording a 2.44 GAA. His .920 save percentage was sixth in the league and second all-time among rookie goaltenders, behind [[Manny Fernandez (ice hockey)|Manny Fernandez]]'s mark set the previous season.<ref name=canadaprofile/>

Approaching his third NHL season, Luongo agreed on a four-year contract extension with the Panthers on September 13, 2001.<ref>{{vcite news |title=Hockey; Panthers |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/09/14/sports/hockey-panthers.html |access-date=February 1, 2010 |date=September 14, 2001 |work=[[New York Times]] |accessdate=February 18, 2017 |archive-date=January 25, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180125074618/http://www.nytimes.com/2001/09/14/sports/hockey-panthers.html }}</ref> He was chosen to play in the inaugural [[NHL YoungStars Game]] in [[2002 NHL All-Star Game|2002]] for Team [[Barry Melrose|Melrose]], winning 13–7 over Team [[Jim Fox (ice hockey)|Fox]].<ref name=youngstars/> After appearing in 58 games in [[2001–02 NHL season|2001–02]], Luongo suffered a [[sprained ankle|torn ligament]] in his right ankle in a game against the [[Montreal Canadiens]] on March 20, 2002.<ref name=ankle>{{vcite news |title=Luongo, Valeri Bure out for season |url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/luongo-valeri-bure-out-for-season-1.343498 |access-date=January 24, 2018 |date=March 21, 2002 |work=[[CBC Sports]] |accessdate=January 24, 2018 |archive-date=May 18, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160518013655/http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/luongo-valeri-bure-out-for-season-1.343498 }}</ref> Sidelined for the remainder of the season,<ref name=ankle/> he finished with a 16–33–4 record, a 2.77 GAA and .915 save percentage. Luongo returned in [[2002–03 NHL season|2002–03]] to a heavier workload, playing a 65-game season. He had a franchise record-setting shutout streak that lasted 144:51 minutes; it was snapped on January 20, 2003, against the Montreal Canadiens.<ref name=canadaprofile/>

In his fourth season with the Panthers ([[2003–04 NHL season|2003–04]]), Luongo emerged with his first [[Vezina Trophy]] and [[Lester B. Pearson Award]] nominations as the top goaltender and top player as selected by the players, respectively.<ref name="2004 Awards"/> Playing in 72 games, he set NHL marks for most saves and shots faced in a single season with 2,303 and 2,475, respectively.<ref name=file/> Both marks were previously set by former Islanders teammate Félix Potvin in [[1996–97 NHL season|1996–97]] as a Toronto Maple Leaf.<ref name=potvin>{{vcite news |title=As Sens gear up for playoffs, Luongo sets shot mark |url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/games/2004-03-31-panthers-senators_x.htm |work=[[USA Today]] |date=February 31, 2004 |access-date=April 21, 2008 |accessdate=September 10, 2017 |archive-date=June 4, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604120000/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/games/2004-03-31-panthers-senators_x.htm }}</ref> His resulting .931 save percentage was first among those goaltenders with at least 50 starts,<ref name=file/> and set a Panthers franchise record, breaking Vanbiesbrouck's .924 mark, set in [[1993–94 NHL season|1993–94]].<ref name=pantherssvpercent>{{vcite web |title=Career Stats – Regular season – Florida Panthers – Goalie – Goalie Single Season Leaders – Save Percentage |url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/careerstats.htm?fetchKey=00002FLOGAHAll&sort=savePercentage&viewName=careerLeadersSingleSeasonGoaliesForTeam |access-date=February 5, 2010 |publisher=[[National Hockey League]] |accessdate=February 6, 2010 |archive-date=June 4, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604120004/http://www.nhl.com/ice/careerstats.htm?fetchKey=00002FLOGAHAll&sort=savePercentage&viewName=careerLeadersSingleSeasonGoaliesForTeam }}</ref> His seven shutouts furthered his franchise record and was good enough for fifth in the league.<ref name=file/> At mid-season, he was named to his first [[2004 NHL All-Star Game|NHL All-Star Game]], held in February 2004. Competing for the Eastern Conference, he won the Goaltenders Competition segment of the [[NHL All-Star Game SuperSkills Competition|SuperSkills Competition]], allowing the fewest goals on goaltender-related events.<ref name="skills competition">{{vcite web|title=2011 SuperSkills Competition|2=Results: 1990–2009|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/page.htm?id=67157#Results|access-date=September 1, 2011|publisher=[[National Hockey League]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130530040331/http://www.nhl.com/ice/page.htm?id=67157#Results|archive-date=May 30, 2013}}</ref> The following day, he played in the third period of the All-Star Game and helped the East to a 6–4 win against the West.<ref>{{vcite news|title=Mesier scores, gets record 14th All-Star assist|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/allstar2004/news/story?id=1730545|access-date=September 1, 2011|date=February 11, 2004|publisher=[[ESPN]]|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=November 7, 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107082720/http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/allstar2004/news/story?id=1730545}}</ref> At the end of the season, he was named to the [[NHL All-Star team|second NHL All-Star team]], but lost the Vezina Trophy to fellow [[Montreal]]-native [[Martin Brodeur]] of the [[New Jersey Devils]], while [[Martin St. Louis]] of the Tampa Bay Lightning won the Pearson Award.<ref name="2004 Awards"/>

Owing to the [[2004–05 NHL lockout]], Luongo was inactive, with the exception of two international tournaments, the [[2004 World Cup of Hockey|2004 World Cup]] and the [[2005 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships|2005 World Championships]]. With the NHL set to resume in [[2005–06 NHL season|2005–06]], Luongo was without a contract. After negotiations failed, the Panthers filed for [[arbitration]] on August 11, 2005.<ref name=file>{{vcite news|title=Roundup: Panthers file to take Luongo to arbitration |url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/nhl/2005-08-11-free-agents_x.htm |access-date=February 1, 2010 |date=August 11, 2005 |work=[[USA Today]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604115952/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/nhl/2005-08-11-free-agents_x.htm |archive-date=June 4, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The process awarded Luongo a one-year, $3.2&nbsp;million contract on August 25.<ref name=arbitration>{{vcite news |title=Roundup:Andreychuk back to T.B. for 23rd NHL season |url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/nhl/2005-08-25-roundup_x.htm |access-date=January 15, 2009 |date=August 25, 2005 |work=[[USA Today]] |accessdate=September 10, 2017 |archive-date=June 4, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604120006/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/nhl/2005-08-25-roundup_x.htm }}</ref>

On April 13, 2006, Luongo became the most-wins Panthers goaltender of all time, passing Vanbiesbrouck,<ref name=pantherswinsall>{{vcite web |title=Career Stats – Regular season – Florida Panthers – Goalie – Goalie Career Leaders for Team – Wins |url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/careerstats.htm?fetchKey=00002FLOGAHAll&sort=wins&viewName=careerLeadersForTeamGoalies |access-date=February 5, 2010 |publisher=[[National Hockey League]] |accessdate=February 6, 2010 |archive-date=June 4, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604120012/http://www.nhl.com/ice/careerstats.htm?fetchKey=00002FLOGAHAll&sort=wins&viewName=careerLeadersForTeamGoalies }}</ref> with his 107th win with the team – a 5–4 overtime victory against the [[Ottawa Senators]].<ref>{{vcite news |title=Panthers get OT win, but Sens win division |url=https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=162505&hubname=nhl |url-status=dead|access-date=February 5, 2010 |date=April 13, 2006 |work=[[The Sports Network]] |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130115141822/http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=162505&hubname=nhl |archive-date=January 15, 2013 }}</ref> He went on to post 35 wins, breaking Vanbiesbrouck's 27-win single-season Panthers mark, set in [[1996–97 NHL season|1996–97]].<ref name=pantherswins>{{vcite web |title=Career Stats – Regular season – Florida Panthers – Goalie Goalie Single Season Leaders For Team – Wins |url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/careerstats.htm?fetchKey=00002FLOGAHAll&sort=wins&viewName=careerLeadersSingleSeasonGoaliesForTeam |access-date=February 5, 2010 |publisher=[[National Hockey League]] |accessdate=February 6, 2010 |archive-date=June 4, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604120017/http://www.nhl.com/ice/careerstats.htm?fetchKey=00002FLOGAHAll&sort=wins&viewName=careerLeadersSingleSeasonGoaliesForTeam }}</ref> Set to become a free agent for the second consecutive off-season, he could not come to an agreement with the Panthers, having formally turned down a five-year, $30&nbsp;million contract offer in January 2006.<ref>{{vcite news |title=Luongo turns down Panthers' five-year, $30 million contract offer |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/news/story?id=2310520 |work=[[ESPN]] |access-date=January 16, 2009 |archive-date=June 4, 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604115950/http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=2310520 }}</ref> It was also reported that among Luongo's demands were that backup goaltender [[Jamie McLennan]] be re-signed, his long-time goaltending coach [[François Allaire]] be hired<ref>{{vcite news |title=Canucks take huge gamble with Luongo |url=http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/news/sports/story.html?id=c239d0dd-5c31-4677-8cc6-2ba09502b79d&k=76933 |date=June 27, 2006 |access-date=February 18, 2010 |work=[[Montreal Gazette]] |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604132716/http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/news/sports/story.html?id=c239d0dd-5c31-4677-8cc6-2ba09502b79d&k=76933 |archive-date=June 4, 2011}}</ref> and that a public statement be released that he would not be traded until the no-trade clause of his contract took effect.<ref name=rue/>

===Vancouver Canucks (2006–2014)===
Prior to the start of the [[2006–07 NHL season|2006–07 season]], Panthers general manager [[Mike Keenan]] traded Luongo to the Vancouver Canucks on June 23, 2006. He was packaged with defenceman [[Lukáš Krajíček]] and a sixth round draft pick ([[Sergei Shirokov]]) in exchange for forward [[Todd Bertuzzi]], defenceman [[Bryan Allen (ice hockey)|Bryan Allen]] and goaltender [[Alex Auld]].<ref name=fouryear/> Immediately following the deal, Vancouver signed Luongo to a four-year, $27 million deal.<ref name=fouryear>{{vcite news |title=Luongo signs four-year, $27&nbsp;million deal with Canucks |url=https://www.espn.com/espn/print?id=2504431&type=story |work=[[ESPN]] |access-date=January 16, 2009 |archive-date=June 4, 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604115959/http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/print?id=2504431&type=story }}</ref> He expressed surprise, claiming that he and the Panthers were very close to a deal the day before the trade.<ref>{{vcite news |title=Luongo surprised by trade to Vancouver |url=https://www.espn.com/espn/wire?section=nhl&id=2499410 |work=[[ESPN]] |date=June 24, 2006 |access-date=February 7, 2010 |archive-date=November 6, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106192553/http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=nhl&id=2499410 }}</ref>

[[File:Roberto Luongo and Chris Kunitz.jpg|thumb|right|Luongo with [[Chris Kunitz]] of the [[Anaheim Ducks]] in a pre-season game at the lip of his crease in September 2006|alt=An ice hockey goaltender wearing a white jersey on his knees to make a save. He is looking downwards to the right as an opposing player in black skates towards him.]]
Luongo's arrival in Vancouver ended a seven-and-a-half-year period of instability for Canucks netminding, with a total of 18 goaltenders having played for the club since [[Kirk McLean]]'s departure in [[1997–98 NHL season|1998]].<ref name=curse/> General manager [[Brian Burke (ice hockey)|Brian Burke]] had coined the term "goalie graveyard" during his tenure in Vancouver to describe the club's goaltending fortunes.<ref>{{vcite news |title=Luongo stolls into 'graveyard' |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Columnists/Sportak/2006/09/30/pf-1924695.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120720000011/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Columnists/Sportak/2006/09/30/pf-1924695.html |url-status=usurped |archive-date=July 20, 2012 |access-date=December 21, 2009 |date=September 30, 2006 |work=[[Canadian Online Explorer]] }}</ref> Luongo recorded a 3–1 win against the [[Detroit Red Wings]] in his Canucks debut on October 5, 2006.<ref>{{vcite news |title=Just like they planned |url=http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/news/sports/story.html?id=951ff744-a2b8-43ad-82d4-fe0961522b70&k=53516 |access-date=February 1, 2010 |date=October 6, 2006 |work=[[Victoria Times Colonist]] |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604132728/http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/news/sports/story.html?id=951ff744-a2b8-43ad-82d4-fe0961522b70&k=53516 |archive-date=June 4, 2011}}</ref> Later in the month, he notched his first shutout with the Canucks, stopping 32 shots in a 5–0 win over the [[Chicago Blackhawks]] on October 25.<ref>{{vcite news |title=Canucks blank Blackhawks |url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/canucks-blank-blackhawks-1.593748 |access-date=January 24, 2018 |date=October 25, 2006 |work=[[CBC Sports]] |accessdate=January 24, 2018 |archive-date=October 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181029071640/https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/canucks-blank-blackhawks-1.593748 }}</ref> On January 9, 2007, Luongo was voted in as a starting goaltender for the first time in his career for the [[Western Conference (NHL)|Western Conference]] All-Stars.<ref>{{vcite news |title=Fitzpatrick's all-star bid falls short |url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/fitzpatrick-s-all-star-bid-falls-short-1.640371 |access-date=January 24, 2018 |date=January 10, 2007 |work=[[CBC Sports]] |accessdate=January 24, 2018 |archive-date=October 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181029070658/https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/fitzpatrick-s-all-star-bid-falls-short-1.640371 }}</ref> Six days after the announcement, he was hospitalized after taking a puck to the throat in practice. He spent the night in the [[intensive care unit]] for fears his [[windpipe]] would swell and become blocked.<ref name=patient/> Discharged from the hospital on game day, Luongo recorded a shutout that night against the Montreal Canadiens on January 16, 2007.<ref name=patient>{{vcite news |title=Roberto Luongo: The star patient |url=http://www2.canada.com/vancouversun/news/sports/story.html?id=6bce946e-81bb-4d2d-9b5a-405657d72286&p=1 |access-date=February 24, 2009 |date=January 17, 2007 |work=[[Vancouver Sun]] |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120902093743/http://www2.canada.com/vancouversun/news/sports/story.html?id=6bce946e-81bb-4d2d-9b5a-405657d72286&p=1 |archive-date=September 2, 2012}}</ref> During the [[2007 NHL All-Star Game]] in [[Dallas]], Luongo was named the Skills Competition's top goaltender<ref>{{vcite news |title=Fans link Crosby, Ovechkin as All-Stars |url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/allstar/2007-01-09-all-star-fan-voting-story_x.htm |access-date=February 1, 2010 |date=January 9, 2007 |work=[[USA Today]] |accessdate=September 10, 2017 |archive-date=June 4, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604120014/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/allstar/2007-01-09-all-star-fan-voting-story_x.htm }}</ref> and helped the West to a 12–9 win over the East.<ref>{{vcite news |title=West all-stars win; Briere is MVP |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/west-all-stars-win-briere-is-mvp-1.682211 |date=January 24, 2007 |work=[[CBC Sports]] |access-date=February 2, 2010 |archive-date=June 4, 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604161227/http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/story/2007/01/24/all-star-recap.html }}</ref> Late in the season, Luongo recorded his franchise record-setting 39th win in a 2–1 [[overtime (ice hockey)|overtime]] victory on March 9 against the [[San Jose Sharks]]. He surpassed Kirk McLean's 38-win mark set in [[1991–92 NHL season|1991–92]].<ref name=mcleanwins>{{vcite news |title=Luongo eclipses Canucks record in OT win vs. Sharks |url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/nhl/2007-03-10-canucks-sharks_N.htm |access-date=February 1, 2010 |date=March 10, 2007 |work=[[USA Today]] }}</ref> He went on to finish with a career-high 47 wins, one shy of league-leader Martin Brodeur, who broke [[Bernie Parent]]'s 33-year-old NHL record of wins in a season. Luongo and Brodeur are considered, however, to have been given an advantage to Parent with the inauguration of the [[shootout (ice hockey)|shootout]] that season by the NHL, allowing more games to be decided with wins, as opposed to ties.<ref>{{vcite news |title=Canucks' Luongo aims for exclusive club |url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/canucks-luongo-aims-for-exclusive-club-1.643446 |access-date=January 24, 2018 |date=March 11, 2007 |work=[[CBC Sports]] |accessdate=January 24, 2018 |archive-date=October 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181029071613/https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/canucks-luongo-aims-for-exclusive-club-1.643446 }}</ref> In addition to his 47 wins, Luongo recorded a 2.29 GAA (which was at that time, a personal best) and a team-record .921 save percentage (surpassing [[Dan Cloutier]]'s .914 save percentage in 2003–04; later broken by [[Cory Schneider]]'s .929 save percentage in 2010–11).<ref name=vansavepercent>{{vcite web |title=Career Stats – Regular season – Vancouver Canucks – Goalies – Goalie Single Season Leaders for Team – Save Percentage |url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/careerstats.htm?fetchKey=00002VANGAHAll&sort=savePercentage&viewName=careerLeadersSingleSeasonGoaliesForTeam |access-date=February 5, 2010 |publisher=[[National Hockey League]] |accessdate=February 6, 2010 |archive-date=June 4, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604120124/http://www.nhl.com/ice/careerstats.htm?fetchKey=00002VANGAHAll&sort=savePercentage&viewName=careerLeadersSingleSeasonGoaliesForTeam }}</ref> He won three team awards – the [[Cyclone Taylor Trophy]] as MVP, the [[Molson Cup#Vancouver Canucks|Molson Cup]] as the player with the most three-star selections, and the [[Most Exciting Player Award]].<ref name=teamawards>{{vcite web|title=All-Time Records |url=http://www.nhl.com/canucks/ext/alltime_07_08.pdf |access-date=February 6, 2010 |publisher=[[National Hockey League]] |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604124652/http://www.nhl.com/canucks/ext/alltime_07_08.pdf |archive-date=June 4, 2011}}</ref> He led the Canucks to a [[Northwest Division (NHL)|Northwest Division]] title and what was then a franchise record of 105 points,<ref>{{vcite news |title=Canucks clinch division |url=http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/news/sports/story.html?id=a855dbb6-3db4-4eb7-808d-33fea20d2b12 |access-date=February 1, 2010 |date=April 8, 2007 |work=[[Victoria Times Colonist]] |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604132938/http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/news/sports/story.html?id=a855dbb6-3db4-4eb7-808d-33fea20d2b12 |archive-date=June 4, 2011 }}</ref> The team was seeded third in the Western Conference. The [[2007 Stanley Cup playoffs|2007 playoffs]] marked Luongo's first NHL postseason appearance. Facing the sixth-seeded [[Dallas Stars]] in the opening round, he almost set an NHL record for most saves in a playoff game in his postseason debut. He stopped 72 shots, en route to a 5–4 quadruple overtime victory, one save shy of [[Kelly Hrudey]]'s 73-save mark set in [[1987 Stanley Cup playoffs|1987]].<ref name=72saves>{{vcite web |title=Playoffs Open With Record Performance by Canucks' Luongo |url=http://canucks.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=451964 |access-date=February 1, 2010 |date=April 12, 2007 |publisher=[[National Hockey League]] |accessdate=February 2, 2010 |archive-date=June 13, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120613023611/http://canucks.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=451964 }}</ref> Luongo went on to win his first playoff series as the Canucks eliminated the Stars in seven games. They were, however, defeated in the second round by the second-seeded and eventual Stanley Cup champions [[Anaheim Ducks]]. Luongo put forth a losing 56-save performance in the deciding fifth game against the Ducks. After the game ended in regulation at a 1–1 tie, he missed the first three minutes of the first overtime period to what was first believed to be an equipment malfunction. However, after the series ended, it was revealed that Luongo, instead, had an untimely case of [[diarrhea]].<ref name="MIA Lou">{{vcite news|title=MIA Lou reveals he was ... in the loo |url=http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/sports/story.html?id=0683ea58-afd3-4504-9597-99f85f3d3379 |author=Brad Ziemer |work=[[Vancouver Sun]] |date=May 7, 2007 |access-date=November 20, 2007 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160131032027/http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/sports/story.html?id=0683ea58-afd3-4504-9597-99f85f3d3379 |archive-date=January 31, 2016}}</ref> The Canucks lost the game 2–1 in the second overtime when Luongo took his eye off the puck to look at the referee, believing a penalty should have been issued to the Ducks on a play in which Canucks forward [[Jannik Hansen]] was hit by Ducks forward [[Rob Niedermayer]]. With Luongo not paying attention, Ducks defenceman [[Scott Niedermayer]] shot the puck from the point to score the series-winning goal.<ref>{{vcite news |title=Ducks beat Canucks in second OT; advance |url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/2007-05-04-1980617042_x.htm |access-date=February 1, 2010 |date=May 4, 2007 |work=[[USA Today]] |accessdate=September 10, 2017 |archive-date=June 4, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604120027/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/2007-05-04-1980617042_x.htm }}</ref>

[[File:Roberto Luongo 2007.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Luongo with the Canucks in October 2007|alt=A masked ice hockey goaltender wearing a blue jersey with blue and green pads slightly crouched looking forward.]]
At the end of the season, Luongo was nominated for three major NHL awards: the [[Vezina Trophy]] as the top goaltender, [[Lester B. Pearson Award]] as the most outstanding player judged by members of the NHLPA and [[Hart Memorial Trophy]] as the league's regular season MVP.<ref name="2007 Awards">{{vcite news |title=2007 NHL Awards: Finalists and winners |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/news/story?id=2855100 |work=[[ESPN]] |date=May 1, 2007 |access-date=December 9, 2019 |accessdate=December 10, 2019 |archive-date=October 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201006073248/https://www.espn.com/nhl/news/story?id=2855100 }}</ref> However, Luongo finished second in the voting for all three awards,<ref>{{vcite news |title=Roberto Luongo: 'I was a novice playing forward, and I couldn't skate' |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/roberto-luongo-i-was-a-novice-playing-forward-and-i-couldn-t-skate-1.759123 |work=[[CBC Sports]] |date=December 8, 2008 |access-date=December 9, 2019 |accessdate=December 10, 2019 |archive-date=October 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020095034/https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/roberto-luongo-i-was-a-novice-playing-forward-and-i-couldn-t-skate-1.759123 }}</ref> behind [[Martin Brodeur]] of the [[New Jersey Devils]] for the Vezina and [[Sidney Crosby]] of the [[Pittsburgh Penguins]] for the Hart and Pearson.<ref name="2007 Awards"/>

Luongo kept pace statistically with his previous season's work in [[2007–08 NHL season|2007–08]] and continued to set significant marks, including a three-game shutout streak spanning 210:34 in late-November (breaking the Canucks' previous franchise record of 184:20 set by [[Ken Lockett]] in [[1974–75 NHL season|1975]]).<ref name=sostreak2>{{vcite news |title=Wild cool off Luongo, Canucks |url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/wild-cool-off-luongo-canucks-1.635067 |access-date=January 24, 2018 |date=December 2, 2007 |work=[[CBC Sports]] |accessdate=January 24, 2018 |archive-date=October 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181029070212/https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/wild-cool-off-luongo-canucks-1.635067 }}</ref> He was voted in as the [[2008 NHL All-Star Game]]'s Western Conference starting goaltender for the second consecutive season, although he did not attend in order to be with his pregnant wife in [[Florida]].<ref name=08asg>{{vcite news |title=Family comes first for Luongo |url=http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/news/sports/story.html?id=45c6c8df-6dcf-4535-b180-ead8a6ce069f&k=35350 |access-date=February 1, 2010 |date=January 10, 2008 |work=[[Victoria Times Colonist]] |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604132949/http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/news/sports/story.html?id=45c6c8df-6dcf-4535-b180-ead8a6ce069f&k=35350 |archive-date=June 4, 2011}}</ref>

With the Canucks battling for the Northwest Division title all season long, a losing streak that saw Luongo win only one of his final eight starts<ref name=rest>{{vcite news |title=Luongo did not get rest he needed |url=http://www.faceoff.com/hockey/columnists/bios/story.html?id=0a27f98e-640c-4005-808e-e037f9cbc379&add_feed_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.canada.com%2Ftopics%2Fsports%2Fhockey%2Ffaceoff%2Fziemer.atom%3Fviewer%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.faceoff.com%2Fhockey%2Fcolumnists%2Fbios%2Fstory.html |access-date=June 6, 2009 |date=April 7, 2008 |work=[[Vancouver Sun]] |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120318003219/http://www.faceoff.com/hockey/columnists/bios/story.html?id=0a27f98e-640c-4005-808e-e037f9cbc379&add_feed_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.canada.com%2Ftopics%2Fsports%2Fhockey%2Ffaceoff%2Fziemer.atom%3Fviewer%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.faceoff.com%2Fhockey%2Fcolumnists%2Fbios%2Fstory.html |archive-date=March 18, 2012}}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=March 2024}} caused the Canucks to miss the playoffs altogether by just three points. Nevertheless, he received his second consecutive team MVP and Molson Cup awards.<ref name=teamawards08>{{vcite web |title=Canucks Team Awards Announced |url=http://canucks.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=452705 |access-date=February 6, 2010 |date=May 4, 2008 |publisher=[[National Hockey League]] |accessdate=February 6, 2010 |archive-date=June 15, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120615044025/http://canucks.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=452705 }}</ref> He also finished seventh in Vezina Trophy balloting.<ref>{{cite web|title=Full voting results for the 2008 NHL Awards|url=http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/16631-Full-voting-results-for-the-2008-NHL-Awards.html|access-date=July 4, 2010|date=June 13, 2008|work=[[The Hockey News]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140711105503/http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/16631-Full-voting-results-for-the-2008-NHL-Awards.html|archive-date=July 11, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On September 30, 2008, prior to the start of the [[2008–09 NHL season|2008–09 season]], Vancouver Canucks general manager [[Mike Gillis]] and head coach [[Alain Vigneault]] named Luongo the 12th [[captain (ice hockey)|captain]] in team history, replacing the departed [[Markus Näslund]].<ref name=captain/> The decision was unconventional, as league rules forbid goaltenders from being captains.<ref>{{vcite web |title=Captain Louie |url=http://canucks.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=452980 |access-date=February 1, 2010 |date=September 30, 2008 |publisher=[[Vancouver Canucks]] |accessdate=February 2, 2010 |archive-date=September 17, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100917154255/http://canucks.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=452980 }}</ref> As such, Luongo became only the seventh goaltender in NHL history to be named a captain, and the first since [[Bill Durnan]] captained the Montreal Canadiens in [[1947–48 NHL season|1947–48]] (after which the league implemented the rule).<ref name=captain>{{vcite news |url=http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=251272&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_nhl |title=Canucks name goaltender Luongo captain |work=[[The Sports Network]] |date=September 30, 2008 |access-date=September 30, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100918133655/http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=251272&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_nhl |archive-date=September 18, 2010 |url-status=dead}}</ref> In order to account for the league rule, Luongo did not perform any of the on-ice duties reserved for captains and did not wear the captain's "C" on his jersey. Instead he incorporated it into the artwork on the front of one of his [[goaltender mask|masks]] which he occasionally wore for the early months of the [[2008–09 Vancouver Canucks season|2008–09 season]].<ref>{{vcite news |title=Luongo sports captain's 'C' on goalie mask |url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/luongo-sports-captain-s-c-on-goalie-mask-1.756420 |access-date=January 24, 2018 |date=October 5, 2008 |work=[[CBC Sports]] |accessdate=January 24, 2018 |archive-date=December 24, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161224223030/http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/luongo-sports-captain-s-c-on-goalie-mask-1.756420 }}</ref> Canucks defenceman [[Willie Mitchell (ice hockey)|Willie Mitchell]] was designated to handle communications with on-ice officials, while defenceman [[Mattias Öhlund]] was responsible for ceremonial faceoffs and other such formalities associated with captaincy.<ref name=captain/> Centre [[Ryan Kesler]] was chosen along with Mitchell and Öhlund as the third alternate captain.<ref name=captain/> A month into the 2008–09 season, Luongo began a shutout streak that lasted three games against the [[Nashville Predators]], [[Phoenix Coyotes]], and the [[Minnesota Wild]], akin to the feat he accomplished in the same month of November the previous year.<ref name=sostreak3>{{vcite news |title=Canucks' Luongo blanks Wild for third straight shutout |url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/canucks-luongo-blanks-wild-for-3rd-straight-shutout-1.694274 |work=[[CBC Sports]] |date=November 9, 2008 |access-date=January 24, 2018 |accessdate=January 24, 2018 |archive-date=February 7, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160207055934/http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/canucks-luongo-blanks-wild-for-3rd-straight-shutout-1.694274 }}</ref> His overall shutout streak was snapped at 242:36 minutes, in a 2–1 shootout loss against the [[Colorado Avalanche]], surpassing the Canucks record he set the previous season.<ref>{{vcite news |title=Luongo's shutout streak snapped as Avs edge Canucks |url=https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=255713 |access-date=November 12, 2008 |date=November 12, 2008 |work=[[The Sports Network]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090112164359/http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=255713 |archive-date=January 12, 2009 }}</ref> Later that month, on November 22, Luongo left a game versus the Pittsburgh Penguins after suffering an [[adduction|adductor]] strain in his [[groin]]. Initially listed as week-to-week,<ref>{{vcite news |title=Luongo's status week to week |url=http://www.canada.com/saskatoonstarphoenix/news/sports/story.html?id=fcb84a60-e4fa-4874-9261-a7c140f7bba4 |work=[[Saskatoon Star Phoenix]] |date=November 24, 2008 |access-date=February 18, 2010 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604133023/http://www.canada.com/saskatoonstarphoenix/news/sports/story.html?id=fcb84a60-e4fa-4874-9261-a7c140f7bba4 |archive-date=June 4, 2011}}</ref> he attempted what was considered an early comeback within two weeks of the injury, but suffered a setback during a team practice on December 10, leaving early in discomfort.<ref>{{vcite news |title=Luongo pain free after Canucks practice |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/luongo-pain-free-after-canucks-practice-1.801465 |date=January 12, 2009 |work=[[CBC Sports]] |access-date=February 7, 2010 |archive-date=January 22, 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090122151843/http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/story/2009/01/12/luongo-practice.html }}</ref> After missing 24 games, Luongo made his return on January 15, 2009, in a 4–1 loss to the Phoenix Coyotes.<ref name=groinreturn>{{vcite news |title=Luongo, Canucks raked by Coyotes |url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/coyotes-rake-canucks-in-luongo-s-return-1.799359 |access-date=January 24, 2018 |date=January 15, 2009 |work=[[CBC Sports]] |accessdate=January 24, 2018 |archive-date=October 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181029070602/https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/coyotes-rake-canucks-in-luongo-s-return-1.799359 }}</ref> While injured, Luongo was chosen for the fourth time to the [[2009 NHL All-Star Game|NHL All-Star Game in 2009]] as the lone Canucks representative.<ref>{{vcite news |title=Luongo only Canuck all-star |url=https://vancouversun.com/Sports/Luongo+only+Canuck+star/1151526/story.html |access-date=January 7, 2009 |date=January 7, 2009 |work=[[Vancouver Sun]] |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090113160231/http://www.vancouversun.com/Sports/Luongo+only+Canuck+star/1151526/story.html |archive-date=January 13, 2009}}</ref> Despite speculation he would have to miss his second straight All-Star Game,<ref>{{vcite news |title=Luongo's skills ready to pay all-star bills? |title.= |url=https://theprovince.com/Sports/Luongo+skills+ready+star+bills/1196793/story.html |access-date=January 29, 2009 |date=January 20, 2009 |work=[[The Province]] |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090204031420/http://www.theprovince.com/Sports/Luongo+skills+ready+star+bills/1196793/story.html |archive-date=February 4, 2009}}</ref> Luongo recovered in time and took part in a 12–11 shootout loss to the Eastern Conference. He finished the season with back-to-back shutouts in the final two games against the [[Los Angeles Kings]] and Colorado Avalanche to establish a new career-high of nine shutouts on the season, breaking [[Dan Cloutier]]'s previous franchise single-season shutout record of seven, set in [[2001–02 NHL season|2001–02]].<ref>{{vcite news|title=Canucks beat Kings, take over Northwest lead |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/canucks-beat-kings-take-over-northwest-lead-1.801987 |access-date=April 11, 2009 |date=April 9, 2009 |work=[[CBC Sports]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604161425/http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/story/2009/04/09/sp-kings-canucks.html |archive-date=June 4, 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{vcite news |title=Canucks win Northwest Division title and earn home-ice advantage |url=https://vancouversun.com/Canucks+Northwest+Division+title+earn+home+advantage+first+round+playoffs/1488467/story.html |access-date=April 11, 2009 |date=April 11, 2009 |work=[[Vancouver Sun]] |accessdate=October 4, 2018 |archive-date=October 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181029071338/http://www.vancouversun.com/Canucks+Northwest+Division+title+earn+home+advantage+first+round+playoffs/1488467/story.html }}</ref> Winning their second Northwest Division title in three years, Luongo and the Canucks returned to the playoffs after a one-year absence as the third seed in the West. During the [[2009 Stanley Cup Playoffs|2009 playoffs]], he led the Canucks to a first round sweep of the sixth-seeded [[St. Louis Blues]]. The Canucks then faced the fourth-seeded Chicago Blackhawks in the second round, which Chicago ultimately won in six games. Luongo was heavily criticized following his performance in the sixth and deciding game, allowing seven goals in the 7–5 loss to seal the 4–2 series defeat. In a post-game interview, Luongo told reporters that he "let [his] teammates down".<ref>{{vcite news |title=Canucks' Luongo: 'I let my teammates down tonight' |url=https://theprovince.com/Sports/Canucks+Luongo+teammates+down+tonight/1586248/story.html |access-date=June 6, 2009 |work=[[The Province]] |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090615002755/http://www.theprovince.com/Sports/Canucks+Luongo+teammates+down+tonight/1586248/story.html |archive-date=June 15, 2009}}</ref> Many in the Vancouver media were quick to suggest trading Luongo, arguing that his large salary could be better spent, while pointing to several successful teams with relatively low-salary goaltenders.<ref>{{vcite news |title=Why would they trade me? Canucks Roberto Luongo asks? |title.= |url=https://vancouversun.com/sports/would+they+trade+Canucks+Roberto+Luongo+asks/1595768/story.html |access-date=June 6, 2009 |work=[[Vancouver Sun]] |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090518083827/http://www.vancouversun.com/Sports/would+they+trade+Canucks+Roberto+Luongo+asks/1595768/story.html |archive-date=May 18, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{vcite news |title=The case for letting Luongo go |url=https://vancouversun.com/sports/case+letting+Luongo/1589010/story.html |access-date=June 6, 2009 |date=May 13, 2009 |work=[[Vancouver Sun]] |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090517004524/http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/case+letting+Luongo/1589010/story.html |archive-date=May 17, 2009}}</ref> Nevertheless, Luongo was presented at the year-end awards ceremony with the [[Scotiabank Fan Fav Award]], a fan-voted award in its inaugural year for the league's favourite player.<ref name=fanfav>{{vcite web |title=Roberto Luongo wins Scotiabank/NHL Fan Fav Award |url=http://canucks.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=453735 |access-date=February 1, 2010 |date=June 17, 2009 |publisher=[[National Hockey League]] |accessdate=February 2, 2010 |archive-date=June 15, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120615044032/http://canucks.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=453735 }}</ref> Also finishing fourth in Vezina Trophy voting, he missed out on his second nomination in three years by one vote,<ref>{{vcite news |title=Roberto Luongo, Vancouver Canucks agree on 12-year, $64-million contract extension |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/news/story?id=4439836 |date=September 2, 2009 |work=[[ESPN]] |access-date=September 4, 2009 |archive-date=September 4, 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090904154009/http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=4439836 }}</ref> behind [[Niklas Bäckström]] of the [[Minnesota Wild]], [[Steve Mason (ice hockey)|Steve Mason]] of the [[Columbus Blue Jackets]] and trophy-winner [[Tim Thomas (ice hockey, born 1974)|Tim Thomas]] of the Boston Bruins.<ref>{{vcite news |title=Tim Thomas continues rags-to-riches story by winning Vezina Trophy |url=http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/26832-Tim-Thomas-continues-ragstoriches-story-by-winning-Vezina-Trophy.html |access-date=September 4, 2009 |date=June 18, 2009 |work=[[The Hockey News]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090626051658/http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/26832-Tim-Thomas-continues-ragstoriches-story-by-winning-Vezina-Trophy.html |archive-date=June 26, 2009 }}</ref>

With one season left on his original four-year deal with the Canucks, Luongo and agent [[Gilles Lupien]] began contract negotiations with general manager [[Mike Gillis]] in the 2009 off-season. At the time of the [[2009 NHL Entry Draft]], [[ESPN]] reported that Luongo and the Canucks had agreed on a long-term extension to be announced on July 1. The report was, however, denied by both Lupien and Gillis.<ref>{{vcite news |title=Canucks close to locking up Luongo |url=http://www.faceoff.com/story.html?id=1736589&add_feed_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.faceoff.com%2Fscripts%2FSP6Atom.aspx%3Fid%3D1724745 |access-date=February 24, 2010 |date=June 26, 2009 |work=[[Vancouver Sun]] |accessdate=February 24, 2010 |archive-date=March 18, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120318003314/http://www.faceoff.com/story.html?id=1736589&add_feed_url=http:%2F%2Fwww.faceoff.com%2Fscripts%2FSP6Atom.aspx%3Fid=1724745 }}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=March 2024}} A little over a month later in early August, Gillis told Vancouver sports radio station [[TEAM 1040]] in an interview that he was "philosophically" close to a deal with Luongo to be signed before the upcoming [[2009–10 NHL season|2009–10 season]].<ref>{{vcite news |title=Gillis: Canucks 'philosophically' close to deal with Luongo |url=https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/teams/story/?id=286840&hubname=nhl-canucks |access-date=August 5, 2009 |date=August 29, 2009 |work=[[The Sports Network]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090902081210/http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/teams/story/?id=286840&hubname=nhl-canucks |archive-date=September 2, 2009 }}</ref> That same month, while at [[Canada national men's ice hockey team|Team Canada]]'s summer camp for the [[Ice hockey at the 2010 Winter Olympics|2010 Winter Olympics]], Luongo set a September 13 deadline to sign a contract before the Canucks' training camp began, explaining that he "will not be negotiating during the season ... [not wanting] that distraction".<ref>{{vcite news |title=Luongo, Canucks set deadline for contract talks |url=https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=288968 |access-date=August 29, 2009 |date=August 27, 2009 |work=[[The Sports Network]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090830153841/http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=288968 |archive-date=August 30, 2009 }}</ref> Several days later, on September 2, the Canucks announced that they had signed Luongo to a 12-year contract extension worth $64&nbsp;million for a $5.33&nbsp;million annual salary cap hit.<ref name=twelveyear/> The front-loaded deal, which will expire by the time Luongo is 43 and includes a no-trade clause, sees him make $10&nbsp;million in 2010–11, then approximately $6.7&nbsp;million annually through to 2017–18, $3.3&nbsp;million and $1.6&nbsp;million the subsequent two seasons, before tailing off to $1&nbsp;million for the final two years.<ref name=twelveyear>{{vcite news |title=Roberto Luongo, Vancouver Canucks agree on 12-year, $64 million contract extension |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/news/story?id=4439836 |access-date=February 12, 2010 |date=September 3, 2009 |work=[[ESPN]] |archive-date=September 4, 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090904154009/http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=4439836 }}</ref> The contract contains two additional clauses to circumvent the no-trade clause that allow Luongo to facilitate a trade after the fifth year and for the Canucks to also facilitate a trade after the seventh year.<ref>{{vcite news |title=Luongo's long-term deal with Canucks contains several 'escape clauses' |date=September 4, 2009 |work=[[National Post]] |author=Jason Botchford }}</ref>

Nearly a month into the 2009–10 season, on October 25, 2009, Luongo recorded his 21st shutout as a Canuck (48th career) in a 2–0 win against the [[Edmonton Oilers]], surpassing Kirk McLean as the franchise shutouts leader.<ref name=mcleanso>{{vcite news |title=Luongo is Canucks' franchise shutout leader with win over Oilers |url=https://theprovince.com/sports/Canucks+beat+Oilers+three+straight/2144346/story.html |work=[[The Province]] |access-date=October 29, 2009 |date=October 26, 2009 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091027084342/http://www.theprovince.com/sports/Canucks+beat+Oilers+three+straight/2144346/story.html |archive-date=October 27, 2009}}</ref> The following game against the Detroit Red Wings on October 27, he suffered a rib injury that was revealed the following day to be a [[hairline fracture]]. Luongo originally injured his rib two games prior against the [[Toronto Maple Leafs]] on October 24 after taking a shot in the chest from Leafs' forward [[Niklas Hagman]]. The injury was re-aggravated during the Detroit game during a collision with Red Wings forward Todd Bertuzzi.<ref>{{vcite news |title=Canucks' Luongo out at least a week with rib injury |url=https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=296381 |access-date=October 29, 2009 |date=October 28, 2009 |work=[[The Sports Network]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091031124503/http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=296381 |archive-date=October 31, 2009 }}</ref> He returned to the lineup on November 10 against the St. Louis Blues after missing six games.<ref>{{vcite news |title=Roberto Luongo |url=https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/teams/players/bio/?id=1050 |access-date=January 8, 2010 |work=[[The Sports Network]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100113174925/http://tsn.ca/nhl/teams/players/bio/?id=1050 |archive-date=January 13, 2010 }}</ref> On January 7, 2010, Luongo recorded his 50th career shutout in a 4–0 win against the Phoenix Coyotes.<ref>{{vcite news |title=Burrows records hat trick while Luongo blanks Coyotes |url=https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=305209 |access-date=January 8, 2010 |date=January 8, 2010 |work=[[The Sports Network]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201192230/http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=305209 |archive-date=February 1, 2014 }}</ref> Despite recording the second 40-win season of his career, Luongo finished with his worst statistical season as a Canuck, heavily affected by a poor second-half.<ref>{{vcite news|title=Luongo not pushing panic button|url=https://montrealgazette.com/sports/Luongo+pushing+panic+button/2726845/story.html|access-date=April 12, 2010|date=April 12, 2010|work=[[The Province]]|author=Jason Botchford|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100329220723/http://www.montrealgazette.com/sports/Luongo+pushing+panic+button/2726845/story.html|archive-date=March 29, 2010}}</ref> Pulled seven times in 68 appearances,<ref>{{vcite news|title=Luongo's game is as good as gold|url=https://theprovince.com/sports/2010wintergames/Luongo+game+good+gold/2791241/story.html|access-date=April 12, 2010|date=April 12, 2010|work=[[The Province]]|author=Ben Kuzma|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100416174110/http://www.theprovince.com/sports/2010wintergames/Luongo+game+good+gold/2791241/story.html|archive-date=April 16, 2010}}</ref> he recorded a 2.57 GAA and a .913 save percentage. In the subsequent [[2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs|2010 playoffs]], the Canucks defeated the Los Angeles Kings in six games only to be defeated by the Chicago Blackhawks for the second year in a row.<ref>{{vcite news|title=Blackhawks put away Canucks|url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/blackhawks-put-away-canucks-1.881355|access-date=January 24, 2018|date=May 12, 2010|work=[[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation]]|accessdate=January 24, 2018|archive-date=September 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180918093116/https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/blackhawks-put-away-canucks-1.881355}}</ref>

In the 2010 off-season, it was speculated by many in the media whether Luongo would remain Vancouver's captain, citing the added pressure of the goaltending position.<ref name="unsure">{{vcite news|title=Luongo unsure of future as Canucks captain |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/luongo-unsure-of-future-as-canucks-captain-1.900549 |access-date=September 13, 2010 |date=August 26, 2010 |work=[[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100830143027/http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/story/2010/08/26/sp-luongo.html |archive-date=August 30, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref> After the Canucks' 3–1 series deficit in the second round, Luongo ceased to make himself available for pre-game interviews – a customary practice for goaltenders, but not for captains.<ref name="unsure"/> When asked after the Canucks' elimination whether he thought he should remain team captain, he told reporters he did not think it was an issue.<ref name="unsure"/> However, Gillis, who appointed him captain two seasons prior, asserted it was a topic to be addressed in the off-season.<ref name="unsure"/> On September 13, 2010, Luongo confirmed he was stepping down, stating that "Serv[ing] as captain...in a Canadian city for a team with such passionate fans is a privilege and an experience I will always take pride in. I will continue to be a leader on this team and support my teammates the same way I always have while focusing on our ultimate goal."<ref name="step down"/> Centre [[Henrik Sedin]], who won the Hart Trophy for the 2009–10 season, was named Luongo's successor in a [[pre-game ceremony]] to the Canucks' season-opener.<ref>{{vcite news|title=Canucks name Henrik Sedin captain|url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/canucks-name-henrik-sedin-captain-1.925894|access-date=January 24, 2018|date=October 9, 2010|publisher=[[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation]]|accessdate=January 24, 2018|archive-date=May 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180513011751/http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/canucks-name-henrik-sedin-captain-1.925894}}</ref> Also in the 2010 off-season, Gillis fired Luongo's goaltending coach Ian Clark and hired [[Roland Melanson]] in his place. Luongo had been a personal friend of Clark's and publicly stated being surprised and disappointed with the switch. The decision to hire Melanson was largely precipitated on his willingness to work with Luongo on a full-time basis – something Clark was unable to do. Despite the coaching change at the club level, Luongo retained Clark as his personal coach for his summer training.<ref>{{vcite news|title=Luongo still puzzled by coaching shuffle; Goalie not consulted when friend was fired|date=September 14, 2010|work=[[The Vancouver Sun]]|publisher=Postmedia News|author=Iain MacIntyre}}</ref> He began working with Melanson leading up to the [[2010–11 NHL season|2010–11 season]] and employed several changes in his playing style, which included playing deeper into his crease instead of challenging shooters.<ref name=melanson/> Luongo was named the NHL's Second Star of the Month for December 2010. He posted an 11–1–2 record with a 2.07 GAA, a .922 save percentage and one shutout within that month.<ref>{{vcite news|title=Crosby, Luongo, Lidstrom|url=http://tsn.ca/nhl/teams/story/?id=348020&hubname=nhl-canucks|access-date=January 8, 2011|date=January 4, 2011|publisher=[[The Sports Network]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012235355/http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/teams/story/?id=348020&hubname=nhl-canucks|archive-date=October 12, 2012}}</ref> During the month, he started a 21-game regulation unbeaten streak that lasted until a loss against the St. Louis Blues on February 14, 2011. Luongo's record in that span was 16 wins and 5 overtime or shootout losses.<ref>{{vcite web|title=Blues 3, Canucks 2|url=http://canucks.nhl.com/club/recap.htm?id=2010020845|access-date=April 16, 2011|date=February 14, 2011|publisher=[[Vancouver Canucks]]|agency=Associated Press|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110218035232/http://canucks.nhl.com/club/recap.htm?id=2010020845|archive-date=February 18, 2011}}</ref> Later in the campaign, he recorded his [[List of NHL goaltenders with 300 wins|300th career win]] against the Los Angeles Kings on March 5, 2011. He became the sixth-youngest goaltender to reach the milestone and the 25th overall.<ref>{{vcite news|title=Daniel Sedin scores late tiebreaker as Canucks outlast Kings|url=http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=356715|access-date=March 6, 2011|date=March 5, 2011|publisher=[[The Sports Network]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110308033302/http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=356715|archive-date=March 8, 2011}}</ref> [[2010–11 Vancouver Canucks|2010–11]] campaign constituted a decreased workload for Luongo, as he appeared in 60 games. Team management had asserted at the beginning of the campaign that rookie backup Cory Schneider would be given the opportunity to play in 20 to 25 games.<ref>{{cite news|title=Canucks sign goaltender Cory Schneider to new NHL contract|url=https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=323372|publisher=[[The Sports Network]]|date=June 2, 2010|access-date=June 28, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100605025243/http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=323372|archive-date=June 5, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> Luongo finished the season with a league-leading 38 wins, along with 22 losses (15 in regulation and 7 in overtime or a shootout). His career-high 2.11 GAA ranked second in the league, behind Tim Thomas' 2.00,<ref>{{vcite web|title=2010–2011 Regular Season Goals Against Average Leaders|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/playerstats.htm?fetchKey=20112ALLGAGAll&sort=goalsAgainstAverage&viewName=goalsAgainstAverage|access-date=April 16, 2011|publisher=[[National Hockey League]]|accessdate=April 16, 2011|archive-date=December 1, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101201005208/http://www.nhl.com/ice/playerstats.htm?fetchKey=20112ALLGAGAll&sort=goalsAgainstAverage&viewName=goalsAgainstAverage}}</ref> and set a Canucks record, surpassing Dan Cloutier's 2.27 GAA, set in 2003–04.<ref name="canucks gaa record">{{vcite web|title=Regular Season – Vancouver Canucks – Goalie Single Season Leaders for Team – Goals Against Average|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/careerstats.htm?fetchKey=00002VANGAHAll&sort=goalsAgainstAverage&viewName=careerLeadersSingleSeasonGoaliesForTeam|access-date=April 16, 2011|publisher=[[Vancouver Canucks]]|accessdate=April 16, 2011|archive-date=October 23, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023212828/http://www.nhl.com/ice/careerstats.htm?fetchKey=00002VANGAHAll&sort=goalsAgainstAverage&viewName=careerLeadersSingleSeasonGoaliesForTeam}}</ref> While his .928 save percentage improved upon his team-record setting .921 in 2006–07, it was bettered by one-hundredth of a point by Schneider.<ref>{{vcite web|title=Vancouver Canucks – Goalie Single Season Leaders For Team – Save Percentage|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/careerstats.htm?fetchKey=00002VANGAHAll&sort=savePercentage&viewName=careerLeadersSingleSeasonGoaliesForTeam|access-date=April 16, 2011|publisher=[[National Hockey League]]|accessdate=February 6, 2010|archive-date=June 4, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604120124/http://www.nhl.com/ice/careerstats.htm?fetchKey=00002VANGAHAll&sort=savePercentage&viewName=careerLeadersSingleSeasonGoaliesForTeam}}</ref> Together, Luongo and Schneider won the [[William M. Jennings Trophy]] for leading the Canucks to the lowest GAA in the league; their combined 2.20 GAA was one-tenth better than the [[Boston Bruins]]'s second-place goaltending tandem of Tim Thomas and [[Tuukka Rask]].<ref>{{cite web|title=2010–2011 Regular Season – Team GAA|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/teamstats.htm?fetchKey=20112ALLAAAAll&sort=avgGoalsAgainstPerGame&viewName=summary|access-date=April 12, 2011|publisher=[[National Hockey League]]|archive-date=April 11, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110411070832/http://www.nhl.com/ice/teamstats.htm?fetchKey=20112ALLAAAAll&sort=avgGoalsAgainstPerGame&viewName=summary|url-status=live}}</ref> Luongo helped the Canucks to their first [[Presidents' Trophy]] in team history with an NHL-best and franchise-record 54 wins and 117 points.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Canucks Have a Chance to Add Stanley Cup Victory to a History of Playoff Losing|url=https://thehockeynews.com/news/article/canucks-have-a-chance-to-add-stanley-cup-victory-to-a-history-of-playoff-losing|access-date=December 14, 2019|date=April 10, 2011|magazine=[[The Hockey News]]|archive-date=December 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214213926/https://thehockeynews.com/news/article/canucks-have-a-chance-to-add-stanley-cup-victory-to-a-history-of-playoff-losing|url-status=live}}</ref> His efforts in the regular season earned him his third career Vezina Trophy nomination, alongside the Boston Bruins' Tim Thomas and the Nashville Predators' [[Pekka Rinne]].<ref>{{vcite news|title=Thomas, Rinne and Luongo named finalists for Vezina|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/thomas-rinne-and-luongo-named-finalists-for-vezina/article4264321/|access-date=December 14, 2019|date=April 22, 2011|work=[[The Globe and Mail]]|agency=[[The Canadian Press]]|accessdate=December 14, 2019|archive-date=October 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030172357/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/thomas-rinne-and-luongo-named-finalists-for-vezina/article4264321/}}</ref> Entering the [[2011 Stanley Cup playoffs|2011 playoffs]] as the first seed in the West and Presidents' Trophy winners, the Canucks were matched against the Chicago Blackhawks for the third straight year, this time in the first round. After opening the series with three straight wins, the Canucks lost the next three against the eighth-seeded and defending Stanley Cup champion Blackhawks, forcing a seventh game. After he was pulled in favour of Schneider during Games 4 in Chicago and 5 in Vancouver – having allowed six goal on 28 shots and four goals on 12 shots, respectively – Luongo started Game 6 in Chicago on the bench.<ref>{{vcite news|title=Hawks rout Canucks 7–2 to stay alive|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2010030154|access-date=June 9, 2011|date=April 20, 2011|publisher=[[National Hockey League]]|author=Rosen, Dan|accessdate=June 9, 2011|archive-date=May 30, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110530201705/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2010030154}}</ref><ref>{{vcite news|title=Hawks stay alive by routing Canucks 5–0|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2010030155|access-date=June 9, 2011|date=April 22, 2011|publisher=[[National Hockey League]]|author=Rosen, Dan|accessdate=June 9, 2011|archive-date=May 27, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110527215538/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2010030155}}</ref> During the third period, Schneider suffered a lower-body injury on a [[Michael Frolík]] penalty shot goal, forcing Luongo to finish the game. He made 12 saves in relief of Schneider before Blackhawks forward [[Ben Smith (ice hockey, born 1988)|Ben Smith]] scored in overtime.<ref>{{vcite news|title=Hawks force Game 7 with OT win|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2010030156|access-date=June 9, 2011|date=April 25, 2011|publisher=[[National Hockey League]]|author=Rosen, Dan|accessdate=June 9, 2011|archive-date=May 30, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110530205433/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2010030156}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/sports/luongo-crawford-ready-for-game-7-matchup |title=Luongo, Crawford ready for Game 7 matchup |website=foxnews.com |publisher=Fox News |author=National Hockey League |date=April 26, 2011 |access-date=January 23, 2025}}</ref> Although Schneider was available to play for Game 7, Canucks' head coach Alain Vigneault chose to start Luongo. He made 31 saves in the deciding game, helping the Canucks to a 2–1 overtime win. His efforts included a cross-ice save on a one-timer from Blackhawks forward [[Patrick Sharp]] during a Blackhawks powerplay early on in the extra period.<ref>{{vcite news|title=Canucks beat Hawks 2–1 in OT to win series|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2010030157|access-date=June 9, 2011|date=April 27, 2011|publisher=[[National Hockey League]]|author=Rosen, Dan|accessdate=June 9, 2011|archive-date=April 29, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110429234351/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2010030157}}</ref> Going head-to-head against fellow Vezina Trophy nominee Pekka Rinne and the Nashville Predators in round two, Luongo kept the fifth-seeded Predators to 11 goals over six games to help the Canucks advance to the third round for the first time in 17 years. He maintained his stellar performance in the Western Conference Finals against the second-seeded [[San Jose Sharks]], allowing 13 goals over five contests, including 54 saves in the fifth and deciding match, a game that went to double overtime. Luongo's efforts helped the Canucks reach the [[2011 Stanley Cup Finals|Stanley Cup Finals]] for the first time in 17 years.<ref>{{vcite news|title=Canucks beat Sharks in 2OT to advance to Final|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2010030325|access-date=June 9, 2011|date=May 25, 2011|publisher=[[National Hockey League]]|author=Rosen, Dan|accessdate=June 9, 2011|archive-date=June 13, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613060239/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2010030325}}</ref> He opened the series against the Boston Bruins stopping all 36 shots in a 1–0 win for his third shutout of the postseason in Game 1 along with a 3–2 overtime win in Game 2.<ref>{{vcite news|title=Late goal gives Canucks 1–0 win in Game 1|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2010030411|access-date=June 9, 2011|date=June 2, 2011|publisher=[[National Hockey League]]|author=Rosen, Dan|accessdate=June 9, 2011|archive-date=June 6, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606035926/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2010030411}}</ref> As the series shifted to Boston's [[TD Garden]] for games three and four with a two-games-to-none Canucks lead, Luongo surrendered eight goals in Game 3 as the Bruins defeated the Canucks 8–1, cutting the Canucks series lead from 2–0 to 2–1.<ref>{{vcite news|title=Bruins play 'Boston hockey,' claw back into series|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2010030413|access-date=June 9, 2011|date=June 7, 2011|publisher=[[National Hockey League]]|author=Rosen, Dan|accessdate=June 9, 2011|archive-date=July 19, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719140820/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2010030413}}</ref> The following contest also, he was pulled for the third time in the playoffs and first time in the Finals after allowing four goals on 20 shots as the Canucks were defeated by the Bruins 4–0, resulting in a 2–2 tie in the series.<ref>{{vcite news|title=All even at 2: Inspired Bruins catch Canucks|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2010030414|access-date=June 9, 2011|date=June 9, 2011|publisher=[[National Hockey League]]|author=Masiak, Corey|accessdate=June 9, 2011|archive-date=June 11, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611223042/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2010030414}}</ref> Amidst heavy scrutiny from the media and Canucks fans after the two blowout losses in Games 3 and 4,<ref>{{vcite news|title=How do you solve a problem like Roberto Luongo?|url=http://www.macleans.ca/2011/06/17/how-do-you-fix-a-problem-like-roberto-luongo/|access-date=June 19, 2011|date=June 17, 2011|work=[[Maclean's]]|author=Gillis, Charlie|accessdate=February 3, 2021|archive-date=April 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130403024822/http://www2.macleans.ca/2011/06/17/how-do-you-fix-a-problem-like-roberto-luongo/}}</ref><ref>{{vcite news|title=Roberto Luongo's Poor Play Has Created Goaltending Controversy in Vancouver|url=http://www.nesn.com/2011/06/roberto-luongos-poor-play-has-created-goaltending-controversy-in-vancouver.html|access-date=June 19, 2011|date=June 9, 2011|publisher=[[New England Sports Network]]|author=Howe, Jeff|accessdate=June 19, 2011|archive-date=June 12, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110612142435/http://www.nesn.com/2011/06/roberto-luongos-poor-play-has-created-goaltending-controversy-in-vancouver.html}}</ref> Luongo recovered for Game 5 in Vancouver, stopping all 31 Bruins shots in a 1–0 win for a 3–2 series lead.<ref>{{vcite web|title=Canucks win Game 5, one win away from Cup|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2010030415|access-date=June 19, 2011|date=June 11, 2011|publisher=[[National Hockey League]]|author=Rosen, Dan|accessdate=June 19, 2011|archive-date=June 14, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110614074914/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2010030415}}</ref> It was his 15th win and fourth shutout of the 2011 postseason and second of the Stanley Cup Finals, tying both of Kirk McLean's single-year playoff team records, previously set in [[1994 Stanley Cup playoffs|1994]].<ref>{{vcite web|title=Playoffs – Vancouver Canucks – Goalie – Goalie Single Season Leaders For Team – Wins|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/careerstats.htm?fetchKey=00003VANGAHAll&sort=wins&viewName=careerLeadersSingleSeasonGoaliesForTeam|access-date=June 19, 2011|publisher=[[National Hockey League]]|accessdate=June 19, 2011|archive-date=October 24, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024073018/http://www.nhl.com/ice/careerstats.htm?fetchKey=00003VANGAHAll&sort=wins&viewName=careerLeadersSingleSeasonGoaliesForTeam}}</ref> Luongo joined [[Frank McCool]] as the only goaltender in NHL history to have two 1–0 shutouts in the same Stanley Cup Finals series as McCool's 1–0 victories came 66 years earlier in {{scfy|1945}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/statsinfo/post/_/id/21033/luongo-closes-the-door-on-struggles|title=Luongo closes the door on struggles|date=June 11, 2011|accessdate=June 11, 2011|website=ESPN.com|publisher=ESPN Enterprises, Inc.}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/stanleycup2011/blog/2011/06/luongo-returns-to-victorious-path.html|title=Luongo returns to victorious path|date=June 11, 2011|accessdate=June 11, 2011|website=CBCSports.ca|first=Tim|last=Wharnsby|publisher=CBC/Radio-Canada}}</ref> With an opportunity to clinch the Stanley Cup in Game 6 in Boston, however, he was pulled again in favour of Schneider after allowing three goals on eight shots in less than three minutes in the first period; the game ended in a 5–2 loss, forcing a Game 7 back home in Vancouver.<ref>{{vcite news|title=Bruins chase Luongo, force Game 7 with 5–2 win|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2010030416|access-date=June 19, 2011|date=June 14, 2011|publisher=[[National Hockey League]]|author=Rosen, Dan|accessdate=June 19, 2011|archive-date=June 15, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615062937/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2010030416}}</ref> Despite his struggles in Game 6, he was named the starter for the deciding seventh game by head coach Alain Vigneault over Schneider. Although Luongo and the Canucks had a chance to clinch the Stanley Cup in Game 7 at [[Rogers Arena|home]], the struggles continued for both Luongo individually and for the Canucks as a team as he allowed three goals (two scored by Bruins' centre [[Patrice Bergeron]] and one by winger [[Brad Marchand]]) on 20 shots, including one shorthanded goal by Bergeron before Marchand scored a second goal by an empty netter, as the Canucks lost the game 4–0 and the series 4–3 against the third-seeded Bruins, one win short of winning the Stanley Cup.<ref>{{vcite news|title=Bruins win Cup by blanking Canucks 4–0|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2010030417|access-date=June 19, 2011|date=June 16, 2011|publisher=[[National Hockey League]]|author=Rosen, Dan|accessdate=June 19, 2011|archive-date=June 18, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110618235946/http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2010030417}}</ref> Luongo had the chance of joining the [[Triple Gold Club]] as the first goaltender in this finals series had the Canucks won Game 6 or Game 7.

[[File:Roberto_Luongo_2012-02-13.png|thumb|Luongo getting in position in his net during a game in February 2012]]
Nearly a month and a half into the [[2011–12 NHL season|2011–12 season]], Luongo suffered an upper-body injury that sidelined him for two games.<ref name=tsn/> The nature of the injury was unspecified, but was believed to have occurred during a game against his former team, the [[New York Islanders]] on November 13, 2011, when he appeared to be in discomfort.<ref>{{vcite news|title=Canucks' Luongo out with upper-body injury|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=601686|access-date=January 4, 2012|date=November 15, 2011|publisher=[[National Hockey League]]|author=Woodley, Kevin|accessdate=January 5, 2012|archive-date=December 19, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111219072420/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=601686}}</ref> Prior to the injury, Luongo was struggling to perform with his statistics near the bottom of the league.<ref name="not watching">{{vcite news|title=Luongo should be playing, not watching|url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/opinion/2011/10/luongo-should-be-playing-not-watching.html|access-date=January 4, 2012|date=October 26, 2011|publisher=[[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation]]|author=Wharnsby, Tim|accessdate=January 5, 2012|archive-date=January 1, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120101021038/http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/opinion/2011/10/luongo-should-be-playing-not-watching.html}}</ref> Upon recovering, Schneider's play relegated Luongo to backup status for five games.<ref>{{vcite news|title=Iain MacIntyre: Luongo takes new Canucks role in stride|url=http://sports.nationalpost.com/2011/11/28/iain-macintyre-luongo-takes-new-canucks-role-in-stride/|access-date=January 4, 2012|date=November 28, 2011|work=[[National Post]]|author=MacIntyre, Iain|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120718055019/http://sports.nationalpost.com/2011/11/28/iain-macintyre-luongo-takes-new-canucks-role-in-stride/|archive-date=July 18, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{vcite news|title=Canucks will keep riding Schneider|date=November 30, 2011|publisher=Postmedia News|author=MacIntyre, Iain}}</ref> By December 2011, he resumed as the team's starter with an improved performance.<ref name=fire>{{vcite news|title=New technique helps Luongo catch fire; Goalie alters his playing position to keep his catching glove extended, and 'it's working out'|date=December 28, 2011|work=[[The Vancouver Sun]]|author=MacIntyre, Iain}}</ref> The following month, Luongo reached two milestones. On January 4, 2012, he became the 23rd goaltender in league history to play in his 700th game,<ref>{{vcite web|title=Career Games Played|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/careerstats.htm?fetchKey=20122ALLGAHALL&sort=gamesPlayed&viewName=careerLeadersAllSeasonsGoalies|access-date=January 4, 2012|publisher=[[National Hockey League]]|accessdate=January 5, 2012|archive-date=January 10, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120110213857/http://www.nhl.com/ice/careerstats.htm?fetchKey=20122ALLGAHALL&sort=gamesPlayed&viewName=careerLeadersAllSeasonsGoalies}}</ref> a contest in which he recorded a 3–0 shutout against the Minnesota Wild.<ref>{{vcite news|title=Luongo marks milestone in style as Canucks blank Wild|url=http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=384266#YourCallTop|access-date=January 4, 2012|date=January 5, 2012|publisher=[[The Sports Network]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108083903/http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=384266#YourCallTop|archive-date=January 8, 2012}}</ref> With his 212th victory as a Canuck on January 21 (a 4–3 win against the San Jose Sharks), he surpassed Kirk McLean as the most-wins goaltender in team history. Luongo accomplished the feat in 364 games, 152 less than McLean.<ref>{{cite news|title=Heroic Hodgson|url=http://canucks.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=612252|access-date=January 23, 2012|date=January 21, 2012|publisher=[[Vancouver Canucks]]|archive-date=March 25, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140325015316/http://canucks.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=612252|url-status=live}}</ref> Facing the eighth-seeded and eventual Stanley Cup champion Los Angeles Kings in the opening round of the [[2012 Stanley Cup playoffs|2012 playoffs]] after helping the Canucks win a second consecutive Presidents' Trophy as the regular season champions, Luongo started the first two games and played well but his team lost both. Vigneault opted to start Schneider for the rest of the series, in order to give the Canucks some momentum on their side,<ref>{{cite news|title=NHL Playoffs: Vancouver Canucks' decision to sit Roberto Luongo 'incredibly difficult'|url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/2012/04/19/nhl_playoffs_vancouver_canucks_decision_to_sit_roberto_luongo_incredibly_difficult.html|access-date=May 11, 2013|publisher=[[Toronto Star]]|date=April 19, 2012|archive-date=October 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181029070220/https://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/2012/04/19/nhl_playoffs_vancouver_canucks_decision_to_sit_roberto_luongo_incredibly_difficult.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and Luongo remained on the bench for the remainder of the series as the Kings won four games to one. Dressing as a backup for the Canucks' final three playoff games led many in the media to believe that Luongo would be traded in the off-season, in favour of Schneider, who recorded better regular season and playoff statistics than him in 2011–12.<ref>{{cite news|title=Cory Schneider Canucks' top dog, so long Luongo|url=https://montrealgazette.com/sports/Canucks+with+Cory+Schneider+looks+like+over+Roberto+Luongo/6483859/story.html|access-date=April 24, 2012|date=April 19, 2012|work=The Province|author=Botchford, Jason|location=Vancouver}}{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Asked about his role with the Canucks following the defeat, Luongo told reporters that he would waive his [[no-trade clause]] if his management asked him to do so.<ref>{{cite news|title=Luongo: I'll waive my no-trade clause if I'm asked to|url=http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=394097|access-date=April 24, 2012|date=April 24, 2012|publisher=The Sports Network|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426181404/http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=394097|archive-date=April 26, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> In June 2012, Schneider was signed to a three-year $12 million contract, which made Luongo expendable, but general manager Mike Gillis' efforts to trade Luongo were unsuccessful owing to his $64 million (U.S.), 12-year contract.<ref name ="goodbye">{{cite news|url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports-content/hockey/opinion/stanleycup/2013/05/roberto-luongo-says-goodbye-again-to-vancouver.html|title=Roberto Luongo says goodbye (again) to Vancouver|access-date=May 26, 2013|publisher=[[CBC.ca]]|archive-date=February 22, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150222025536/http://www.cbc.ca/sports-content/hockey/opinion/stanleycup/2013/05/roberto-luongo-says-goodbye-again-to-vancouver.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Roberto Luongo 20131017.jpg|thumb|upright|left|Luongo with the Canucks in October 2013]]
In the lockout-shortened [[2012–13 NHL season|2012–13 season]], both goaltenders split the playing duties although Schneider was the number one goaltender. Luongo handled his demotion with class and remained supportive of Schneider, soon calling the Canucks "Cory's team."<ref name = "goodbye" /> Head coach Alain Vigneault said "Cory is our MVP and one of reasons why we got into playoffs. I've got a lot of faith in him and that's why we're going with him". In the opening round of the [[2013 Stanley Cup playoffs|2013 playoffs]] facing the San Jose Sharks, as Schneider had been injured near the end of the season, Luongo started the first two games and played well but his team lost both. Luongo came off the bench in game three after Schneider was pulled in the third period. Luongo was the backup in game four as the Canucks lost in overtime, ending his team's postseason in four straight games.<ref>{{cite news|title=Canucks swept out of NHL playoffs by Sharks, with likely sweeping changes to come|url=https://vancouversun.com/sports/hockey/vancouver-canucks/Vancouver+Canucks+swept+playoffs+Jose/8352010/story.html|access-date=May 11, 2013|publisher=[[Vancouver Sun]]|archive-date=October 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181029070254/http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/hockey/vancouver-canucks/Vancouver+Canucks+swept+playoffs+Jose/8352010/story.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=669856|title=Five reasons Canucks were eliminated from playoffs|publisher=[[NHL.com]]|access-date=May 26, 2013|archive-date=June 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130603033109/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=669856|url-status=live}}</ref> Luongo put his penthouse up for sale, as it was accepted that he had likely played his final game as a Canuck. Although he had nine years left on a 12-year, $64-million contract, which represented a $5.33 million salary cap hit, general manager Mike Gillis remained confident of making a deal in the summer.<ref name = "goodbye"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://sports.nationalpost.com/2013/04/03/roberto-luongos-contract-hurts-both-him-and-canucks/ |access-date=May 26, 2013 |publisher=[[National Post]] |title=Roberto Luongo's contract hurts both him and Canucks |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130629225217/http://sports.nationalpost.com/2013/04/03/roberto-luongos-contract-hurts-both-him-and-canucks/ |archive-date=June 29, 2013 }}</ref>

Schneider was unexpectedly traded to the New Jersey Devils on June 30, 2013, reinstating Luongo in the starting position for the [[2013–14 NHL season|2013–14]].<ref name="freshstart">{{cite web|url=http://sports.nationalpost.com/2013/10/03/roberto-luongo-vancouver-canucks-happy-for-a-fresh-start/|title=Roberto Luongo, Vancouver Canucks happy for a fresh start|author=Joshua Clipperton|date=October 2, 2013|publisher=[[National Post]]|access-date=October 8, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20131008170145/http://sports.nationalpost.com/2013/10/03/roberto-luongo-vancouver-canucks-happy-for-a-fresh-start/|archive-date=October 8, 2013}}</ref> [[John Tortorella]], who had replaced Alain Vigneault as Canucks head coach after their first round sweep at the hands of the San Jose Sharks, chose rookie [[Eddie Läck]] to start in goal instead of Luongo in the [[2014 Heritage Classic|Heritage Classic]] against the [[Ottawa Senators]] at [[BC Place]]. Tortorella's decision was unpopular with the crowd as they booed Läck, while Luongo was also unhappy as he had been looking forward to that game all season with it being outside.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://sports.nationalpost.com/2014/03/02/ottawa-senators-add-to-vancouver-canucks-woes-with-heritage-classic-win/ | archive-url=https://archive.today/20140305182902/http://sports.nationalpost.com/2014/03/02/ottawa-senators-add-to-vancouver-canucks-woes-with-heritage-classic-win/ | url-status=dead | archive-date=March 5, 2014 | title=Vancouver Canucks coach's decision to bench Roberto Luongo for Heritage Classic illogical and unpopular | publisher=[[National Post]] | access-date=March 12, 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/2014/03/04/canucks_trade_roberto_luongo_to_florida.html | title=Canucks trade Roberto Luongo to Florida | publisher=[[Toronto Star]] | access-date=March 12, 2014 | date=March 4, 2014 | archive-date=March 7, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140307081020/http://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/2014/03/04/canucks_trade_roberto_luongo_to_florida.html | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://vancouversun.com/sports/Canucks+coach+John+Tortorella+classic+misplay+unpopular+decision/9570156/story.html#ixzz2vlh2RveK | title=Canucks coach John Tortorella's classic misplay an unpopular decision | publisher=[[Vancouver Sun]] | access-date=March 12, 2014 | date=November 24, 2001 | archive-date=March 8, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140308062436/http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/Canucks+coach+John+Tortorella+classic+misplay+unpopular+decision/9570156/story.html#ixzz2vlh2RveK | url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Return to Florida (2014–2019)===

On March 4, 2014, a day before the NHL trade deadline, Luongo was traded back to the Florida Panthers along with prospect Steven Anthony in exchange for goaltender [[Jacob Markström]] and centre [[Shawn Matthias]]. The Canucks retained part of Luongo's salary.<ref>{{vcite news|title=Roberto Luongo trade: Florida Panthers acquire goaltender from Canucks|url=https://www.sbnation.com/2014/3/4/5471102/roberto-luongo-trade-florida-panthers-vancouver-canucks|date=March 4, 2014|publisher=[[SB Nation]]|author=Brigardi, Matt|accessdate=December 7, 2017|archive-date=January 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180123072148/https://www.sbnation.com/2014/3/4/5471102/roberto-luongo-trade-florida-panthers-vancouver-canucks}}</ref> Luongo was seen as key to helping build the Panthers into a strong contender.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://montrealgazette.com/sports/Luongo+becomes+symbol+revitalization+Panthers+franchise/9601695/story.html | title=Luongo becomes new symbol for revitalization of Panthers' franchise | work=[[Montreal Gazette]] | access-date=March 12, 2014 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140312212344/http://www.montrealgazette.com/sports/Luongo+becomes+symbol+revitalization+Panthers+franchise/9601695/story.html | archive-date=March 12, 2014 }}</ref>

On March 3, 2015, Luongo suffered a chipped bone in his shoulder in a 3–2 loss to the [[Toronto Maple Leafs]] as a result from taking a shot from Leafs' forward [[Leo Komarov]]. He would leave the game momentarily but then return to finish the game before missing the next six games.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/panthers-luongo-takes-puck-high-leaves-game/ |title=Injured Luongo returns to game in dramatic fashion |website=sportsnet.ca |publisher=Sportsnet |author=Mike Johnston |date=March 3, 2015 |access-date=February 17, 2025}}</ref> The [[2014–15 NHL season|2014–15 season]] would end with the Panthers missing the playoffs for the third straight season and Luongo finishing with a 28–19–12 record, two shutouts, 2.35 GAA and .921 save percentage in 61 games.

Luongo ended the [[2015–16 NHL season|2015–16 season]] playing in 62 games with a 35–19–6 record, four shutouts, 2.35 GAA and .922 save percentage to help the Panthers qualify for the playoffs for the first time since 2012. During the [[2016 Stanley Cup playoffs|2016 playoffs]], the Panthers would go on to lose in the first round against Luongo's former team, the [[New York Islanders]] in six games with Islanders centre and captain [[John Tavares]] scoring the series-winning goal in double overtime of Game 6 to prevent the Panthers from forcing a seventh game.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Botte|first1=Peter|title=John Tavares scores in double-OT to lead Islanders past Panthers, win first playoff series since 1993|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/hockey/islanders/tavares-goals-lead-islanders-playoff-series-win-93-article-1.2613158|website=NYDailyNews.com|access-date=August 30, 2016|date=April 25, 2016|archive-date=September 14, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160914203439/http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/hockey/islanders/tavares-goals-lead-islanders-playoff-series-win-93-article-1.2613158|url-status=live}}</ref>

In the 2016 off-season, it was revealed that Luongo underwent hip surgery, but would recover in time for the start of the [[2016–17 NHL season|2016–17 season]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nhl/florida-panthers/article107933407.html |title=Months after surgery, Luongo takes opening night stage for Florida Panthers |website=miamiherald.com |publisher=Miami Herald |author=George Richards |date=October 13, 2016 |access-date=February 17, 2025}}</ref> The season would be a struggle for Luongo and the Panthers as a team as they would miss the playoffs and Luongo would finish with a 17–15–6 record with one shutout, 2.68 GAA and .915 save percentage in 40 games.

On December 4, 2017, in a 5–4 SO loss to the New York Islanders, Luongo suffered a torn groin as a result of sticking his leg out to make a save on a shot from Islanders' defenceman [[Ryan Pulock]], causing him to miss the next 27 games.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/injury-slows-not-halts-career-former-canuck-roberto-luongo/#:~:text=That%20fire%20has%20brought%20Luongo%20back%2C%20two,that%20it%20had%20the%20potential%20to%20end |title=Injury slows, not halts, career of former Canuck Roberto Luongo |website=sportsnet.ca |publisher=Sportsnet |author=Iain MacIntyre |date=February 13, 2018 |access-date=February 17, 2025}}</ref> On April 5, 2018, Luongo played in his 1,000th NHL game in a 3–2 win over the [[Boston Bruins]], becoming just the third goaltender in NHL history to do so, the other two being [[Patrick Roy]] and [[Martin Brodeur]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Harisson|first1=Doug|title=Elite company: Roberto Luongo plays in 1,000th NHL game|url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/panthers-roberto-luongo-1000-games-1.4606430|website=cbc.ca|access-date=May 1, 2018|date=April 5, 2018|archive-date=April 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409165553/http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/panthers-roberto-luongo-1000-games-1.4606430|url-status=live}}</ref> At the conclusion of the [[2017–18 NHL season|2017–18]] season, Luongo was the Panthers' nomination for the [[Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy]] and eventually a finalist for the award by the NHL and became the franchise all-time leader in games played, wins, and shutouts. The season ended with the Panthers missing the [[2018 Stanley Cup playoffs|playoffs]] by just one point in the standings.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Olive|first1=Jameson|title=2017–18 Season Rewind: Roberto Luongo|url=https://www.nhl.com/panthers/news/2017-18-season-rewind-roberto-luongo/c-298371162|website=NHL.com|access-date=May 1, 2018|date=May 1, 2018|archive-date=May 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503102447/https://www.nhl.com/panthers/news/2017-18-season-rewind-roberto-luongo/c-298371162|url-status=live}}</ref> The Masterton Trophy would eventually go to [[New Jersey Devils]] forward [[Brian Boyle]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/masterton-trophy-finalists-brian-boyle-roberto-luongo-jordan-staal-298170142 |title=Masterton Trophy finalists unveiled |website=nhl.com |publisher=National Hockey League |author=NHL.com |date=April 21, 2018 |access-date=April 20, 2024 |archive-date=November 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231113014659/https://www.nhl.com/news/masterton-trophy-finalists-brian-boyle-roberto-luongo-jordan-staal-298170142 |url-status=live }}</ref>

On February 10, 2019, Luongo played in his 1030th career game against the inner-state rival [[Tampa Bay Lightning]], passing Roy for second all-time behind Brodeur, who played 1,266 games in his career.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hornick |first1=Matt |title=Panthers' Roberto Luongo moves into second place for career appearances by a goaltender |url=http://www.sportingnews.com/us/nhl/news/panthers-roberto-luongo-moves-in-to-second-for-career-appearances-by-a-goaltender/45af9bt2p6c61g0ule6prywnr |website=[[Sporting News]] |access-date=February 11, 2019 |date=February 10, 2019 |archive-date=February 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190212012937/http://www.sportingnews.com/us/nhl/news/panthers-roberto-luongo-moves-in-to-second-for-career-appearances-by-a-goaltender/45af9bt2p6c61g0ule6prywnr |url-status=live }}</ref> With a 4–3 win against the [[Colorado Avalanche]] on February 25, Luongo passed [[Ed Belfour]] for third-most wins as an NHL goaltender, once again only behind Patrick Roy and Martin Brodeur.<ref>{{cite web |title=NHL History – Goalie Wins Leaders |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/?stat=goaliewins |website=[[ESPN]] |access-date=February 26, 2019 |date=February 25, 2019 |archive-date=February 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227060514/http://www.espn.com/nhl/history/leaders/_/stat/goaliewins |url-status=live }}</ref>

On June 26, 2019, Luongo announced his retirement from professional hockey, despite having three years left on his contract largely citing lingering effects from surgeries on his hip and groin the previous two seasons.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/panthers/news/luongos-open-letter-to-the-fans/c-308071408|title=Luongo's Open Letter to the Fans|website=NHL.com|date=June 26, 2019|access-date=June 26, 2019|archive-date=June 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626201741/https://www.nhl.com/panthers/news/luongos-open-letter-to-the-fans/c-308071408|url-status=live}}</ref>