Roberto Luongo is a particularly superstitious goaltender, generally unwilling to debut new equipment when he’s on a roll. That in mind, after Tuesday night’s 4-0 loss to the New York Rangers ballooned his save percentage to .856 and his goals-against average of 3.70, there wasn’t much stopping him from unveiling his new mask, which appears to be inspired by both Johnny Canuck and Julius Pringles.

But, in this case, Luongo wasn’t waiting until he was absolutely certain the mask couldn’t make him play any worse. It just wasn’t ready to start the season.

Said Luongo, ”It’s two weeks late, just like my game.”

So true. That’s — wait, what?

Holy crap, that’s the quote of the year.

There are a number of reasons that I’d be bummed if Roberto Luongo left town, but chief amongst them is the fact that I would no longer be able to witness firsthand his amazing tendency to make a great joke at the absolutely wrong time.

Consider that is a guy who that got blown up for seven goals to be eliminated by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2009 playoffs; then, after suffering the exact same fate, 5-1, the following year, quipped, “I kept it under seven goals.” Or remember his tire-pumping joke from  last year’s playoffs, which came with the Canucks one win from the Stanley Cup and nobody feeling nearly at ease enough for chuckles.

While the man’s comedic timing is sharp, his regular timing is much less so. But that’s what makes Luongo quotes like this one so much fun.

Seriously, Luongo, Vancouver has risen up against you, and you try to pacify the angry mob by joining it? That’s nuts. I know Cam Davie suggested you embrace the hate, but I don’t think he was suggesting you contribute to it.

Please tell me this is a one-time thing. If Canuck fans riot next year, someone should make absolutely certain Luongo doesn’t run outside to join them. He’d be a menace, especially since his hair grease is probably a natural accelerant.

Some people dislike the Canuck netminder’s penchant for ill-timed gallows humour. As for me, I love it. If I heard The Province had written an article trying to run me out of town (and they will, just you wait), I’d be like this:

Animated gif, like seemingly all great animated gifs, from Blue Soup.

Heck, I might even react like this:

Of course, Luongo can’t do that. He’d get fined.

But that’s not his style anyway. Bearing this glorious quote in mind, more likely is that Luongo writes in to support the article:

To the editor: 

I agree. That Luongo fellow needs to go!

Ever yours,

Roberto Luongo.

Anyway. I find this quote exceptionally odd.

A million sticks taps to Polygon Nightmare (SupportYourGoalie.tumblr.com) for the provocative image above.