Canucks look to regroup at home in Game 5

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 more than five periods weren't his fault, defenseman Kevin Bieksa said. Luongo might have been pulled from a crucial Game 4, but the star goalie will get himself together in time for Game 5 tonight, 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 thoroughly has outplayed his fellow Vezina Trophy nominee through four games in the final, which is even heading back to Vancouver.

Although 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 reportedly was jeered by the crowds at public game-watching parties back in Vancouver when coach Alain Vigneault finally pulled him from Game 4 early in the third period. Luongo was fidgety and quiet afterward, clearly eager to get away from Boston.

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

"Lou is going to be fine," Vigneault said of Luongo. " . . . We've got a lot of trust and faith in him, in his ability to play well."