VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 28 (UPI) -- Roberto Luongo pushed aside his early playoff struggles to make 20 saves Thursday and lead Vancouver to a 1-0 win over Nashville in their series opener.
In the first game of the NHL's conference semifinals, Luongo recorded the third post-season shutout of his 11-year career and likely ended any goaltending controversy for the Canucks.
After Vancouver had won the first three games of its Western Conference quarterfinal series with defending Stanley Cup champion Chicago, Luongo became the scapegoat in a stretch of three straight losses.
He was removed from two of those setbacks and was left on the bench in Game 6 in favor of Cory Schneider. Luongo was given the start in Game 7 against the Blackhawks, however, and he came through during an overtime victory.
Against the Predators, Luongo looked like the goaltender who posted a 38-15-7 record during the regular season with a 2.11 goals-against average and a save percentage of .928.
He was helped out by a stingy defense Thursday that limited Nashville's chances.
Vancouver's goal came from Christopher Higgins with 7:46 to go in the second period. It was his second goal of the playoffs.
Pekka Rinne stopped 29 shots for the Predators, who defeated Anaheim in six games to reach the Western Conference semifinals.
