Roberto Luongo’s nod to ‘Slap Shot’

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You’ve always got to admire students of the classics.

So what if Canucks’ goalie Roberto Luongo was born two years after the iconic hockey movie, ‘Slap Shot’ was made? Frankly, one would have to wonder if any NHL player couldn’t recite at least one or two lines from the 1977 film.

It was near the end of Luongo’s 6-1/2-minute chat -- but who’s counting? -- with reporters after the Canucks’ optional skate in El Segundo on Tuesday. Luongo, who was pulled in the second period of Game 3 on Monday night after allowing four goals, including the last two on consecutive shots, was asked what he does on bench after such an occurrence.

‘I feel shame. I feel shame,’ said Luongo, referencing the well-known line from the movie.

For the record, the line in the movie came when the goalie, Denis Lemieux was explaining penalties, saying: ‘You do that, you go to the box, you know. Two minutes, by yourself, you know, and you feel shame, you know. And then you get free.’

More hockey talk later on latimes.com.

--Lisa Dillman