After two losses, Canucks not blaming Luongo

BOSTON - Although Roberto Luongo is receiving much of the blame for Vancouver's two-game meltdown in Boston during the Stanley Cup Finals, the Canucks refuse to allow their goalie to take the heat alone. Most of the 12 goals he allowed in just over five periods weren't his fault, said defenseman Kevin Bieksa.

Luongo might have been pulled from a crucial Game 4 - which the Bruins won, 4-0, to even the series a two games each - but the star goalie will get himself together in time for Game 5 Friday in Vancouver, captain Henrik Sedin promised.

If only the Canucks had provided that much support to Luongo on the ice, maybe they wouldn't be headed home with their series lead completely evaporated.

"These were the same questions Boston got after they lost two games, and they found a way," Sedin said. "We need to do the same thing."

No matter what spin is applied by the Canucks, Boston goalie Tim Thomas has thoroughly outplayed his fellow Vezina Trophy nominee through four games in the Finals.

While no goalie bears sole responsibility for his play, even Vancouver's most faithful fans realize Luongo is struggling after allowing seven goals on the last 23 shots he faced in Boston.

Luongo was jeered by the crowds at public game-watching parties back in Vancouver when coach Alain Vigneault finally pulled him early in the third period of Game 4. Luongo was fidgety and quiet afterward, clearly eager to get away from Boston and hoping his blue home jersey will help restore what he lacked.

"We have two out of three with home-ice advantage, and that's what we've worked for all season," Luongo said.

The Canucks needed just one win to earn the chance to parade the Cup around home ice. Now they'll need to win Game 5 just to stop the Bruins' impressive momentum behind Thomas, who looks increasingly unbeatable after giving up one goal in two home games and posting his third shutout of the playoffs in Game 4.

Flyers, Bryzgalov talks begin. Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren had his first phone conversation with Ilya Bryzgalov's agent since acquiring the star goalie's rights on Tuesday.

Holmgren and Ritch Winter spoke Thursday, and the GM said he hopes to meet with the agent and the goalie next week. The Flyers are trying to reach an agreement with Bryzgalov before he becomes an unrestricted free agent July 1.

GAME 5

Friday at 8 p.m. TV: NBC10

Series tied, 2-2.