VANCOUVER – Martin Brodeur may have played his last game in these Olympics.
Team Canada coach Mike Babcock announced he was benching the Devils goaltender for tomorrow’s game against Germany, giving the starting job to Roberto Luongo.
“We’re in the winning business,” Babcock said, explaining the decision. “To win at in any game at any level you need big saves. You need momentum-changing saves. We’re looking for (Luongo) to do that for us.”
The move comes a day after Brodeur allowed four goals on 22 shots in a 5-3 loss to the United States during the preliminary round of the Vancouver Games. The loss pushed Canada into the sudden-death qualifying game with Germany in order to advance to the quarterfinals.
Win or lose tomorrow, Brodeur is done at the Olympics barring an injury to Luongo.
“One thing about this tournament now is if you’re changing goalies you’re probably out of the tournament,” Babcock said. “It’s pretty straight forward. This tournament now is you win or go home.”
Brodeur, 37, looked shaky against the Americans allowing one soft goal and struggling to communicate with his defensemen.
Brodeur skipped the Canadian’s team session with the media yesterday, but Babcock said the NHL’s all-time wins leader was not surprised.
“I don’t think he was shocked,” Babcock said. “I talked to Marty today and just let him know the way we were going. He’s a pro. He’s been through it a number of times. He’s won a number of championships. [He] understands it’s about the team, not the individual.”
Luongo, 30, will be playing on his NHL home ice. In his only Olympic action, the Canucks goalie made 15 saves in Canada’s 8-0 victory over Norway on Feb. 16.
Babcock called Luongo after Sunday’s game to inform him of the switch. Luongo said he can handle the pressure of an entire nation counting on him.
“You don’t want to come into a game trying to do too much,” he said. “You just want to make sure you’re sharp, you’re square and you’re ready for every opportunity.”
The loss to the U.S. team sent Canadians into a panic. The heavy favorite entering this tournament, Team Canada now has a difficult path to any color medal. If they beat Germany tomorrow, they would play Russia – a game anticipated as a possible final here – in the quarterfinals. After that, a possible semifinal with defending champion Sweden awaits.
“We’re not sitting here in total shock like how can we be in this position,” said Steve Yzerman, the GM of Team Canada. “We weren’t surprised by (U.S. goalie Ryan) Miller’s play. We weren’t surprised by anything in the game last night. We’ve got a job to do. We understand that. We have our own goals and expectations and will continue to strive toward those. People have to understand these countries are good.”
Babcock was careful not to be critical of Brodeur, instead focusing on building up Luongo. He did indicate he believes Luongo’s butterfly style is more effective than Brodeur’s upright style.