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Posted by Joy Russo

He has put up monster numbers, starting all but six games and posting a 45-20-6 record through Thursday's action.

He has made up for the fact the Canucks' offensive output has been a little dry.

Consider this: Through 77 games, Vancouver has scored just 210 goals (23rd in the league) and has allowed a stingy 187 goals (third-best in the NHL). In 82 games last season, the Canucks scored 256 goals (tied for 13th) and allowed 255 (14th). Markus Naslund is on pace for 60 points, his worst offensive output since he totaled 34 points in 76 games over the 1997-98 campaign.

That is the Luongo factor. That is the Markus Naslund non-factor.

So, is it fair to already say Luongo is the best, most valuable goalie the franchise has ever had? As he dukes it out with New Jersey's Martin Brodeur to best Bernie Parent's single-season wins record (47), it's a point to ponder.

• Dany Sabourin: Dany and Scott Clemmensen (Brodeur's backup in Jersey) are duking it out for easiest gig in the league. For the record, Sabourin is 2-3-1 this season and not a part of this "great" debate, but we had to throw the goalie a bone.

• Alex Auld: We originally thought it wasn't Auld's fault the Canucks failed to make the playoffs last season, but with his 7-13-5 record and .888 save percentage this season in South Florida, we are starting to wonder. Another point to Luongo.

• Curt Ridley: Oh hell, we just loved the crossed-stick mask. That beats Luongo's headpiece any day of the week. Google it, people.

• Mika Noronen: Yes, the former Sabres draft pick is property of the Canucks, but the netminder with promise signed with Russia's AK Bars Kazan squad. Guess he didn't want to ride the pine this season. And no, the fact he was the first Finnish goaltender to be credited with an NHL goal doesn't knock Roberto off his perch. It's pretty cool, but not enough.

• Dan Cloutier: Cloutier was drafted by the Rangers, studying under the tutelage of Mike Richter for a few seasons before heading to Tampa Bay, then Vancouver. He posted decent records before a torn ACL wiped out most of his 2005-06 season. Last offseason, he was traded to the Kings, where his subpar debut left many questioning whether he should even be a starter in the first place. Now, he's on the IR again. Luongo still stands tall (and no points for Cloutier's infamous fight with Tommy Salo from way back when; entertaining, yes; points, no).

• Felix Potvin: We know Potvin won't challenge Luongo for top Canucks goaltender, but he does top him in the nicknames department. Felix The Cat will always beat out Louie.

• Garth Snow: During his two-plus seasons (1998-2000) with the Canucks, was he conjuring up fantasy player trades and 15-year contracts in his brain as his Vancouver squad failed to make the playoffs during his West Coast tenure? Louie, Louie!

• Bob Essensa: While "Sideshow Bob" made a name for himself in Winnipeg and Edmonton, he did lead the Canucks back to the postseason in the 2000-01 season after Potvin faltered in the No. 1 role. Essensa moved into a more prominent role and went on a 18-12-3 run. The fans loved him, but, alas, then-GM Brian Burke did not. Bob was off the BUFF-A-LO. Roberto still stands.

• Richard Brodeur: Brodeur (no relation) led the Canucks to an unexpected run to the Cup finals in the 1981-82 season. Unfortunately for Canucks fans, the team stood no chance against the powerhouse New York Islanders, who swept Vancouver in four. But he was with the club for almost eight seasons and was named to the All-Star team in 1983. "The King" will always be another fan favorite. And bless him for having to wear the coma-inducing "V" jersey.

• Kirk McLean: Captain Kirk! (Better than Louie!) While there is no doubting Luongo will be considered the more gifted goaltender of the two, McLean has to still be No. 1 in Canucks fans' hearts. He appeared in two All-Star Games (1990, 1992) and played 11 seasons with the club. His best season (stats-wise) was 1991-92, when he posted a 38-17-9 record and 2.74 goals-against average.

But THE season was 1993-94, when McLean helped lead the Canucks to just their second Cup finals appearance and their first since 1982. While that 1982 series wasn't even close, McLean backstopped his club to Game 7. But Vancouver fell to another New York team, the Rangers.

Hmm. Louie is giving Captain Kirk a run, but until Luongo at least brings his team to the Cup finals, McLean still means more to this franchise. Luongo, at least, is giving the Canucks another shot at glory.