Roberto Luongo's top 20 viral moments
Roberto Luongo leaves the NHL as not just one of its most accomplished goaltenders, but also one of the league's most entertaining personalities.
After his retirement on Wednesday, let's look back at his social-media prowess.
While there were dozens of examples we could have included, here are 20 of Luongo's most memorable moments online:
The farewell
In classic Luongo fashion, he revealed his plans on Wednesday by literally hanging up his pads.
I’ve decided to take my talents to a South Beach retirement home ✌🏼 pic.twitter.com/BTuZIo8XT8
— Strombone (@strombone1) June 26, 2019
Playful rivalry with Schneider
Luongo never seemed to pass on an opportunity to poke fun at his battle for the crease with Cory Schneider in Vancouver during their time with the Vancouver Canucks, and even long afterward.
Can't wait!!! “@NHL: #Canucks fans, are you ready to see Cory Schneider as No. 1 in net? #hockeyisback”
— Strombone (@strombone1) January 18, 2013
Who could forget this one after Schneider was traded to the New Jersey Devils?
— Strombone (@strombone1) July 1, 2013
And Luongo wasn't done there.
Just answering some fan mail from a big fan...... pic.twitter.com/XHNVAUHuys
— Strombone (@strombone1) August 14, 2015
Man this panther draft pick is hitting a little too close to home 😱 pic.twitter.com/zjsVPWGuuv
— Strombone (@strombone1) June 24, 2017
Self-deprecation
After allowing eight goals during a loss to the Detroit Red Wings in 2013, Luongo couldn't help but make fun of himself.
I just wanted to apologize to all the people who had to replace their Budweiser Red Light bulb after yesterday's debacle #LUON8O
— Strombone (@strombone1) February 25, 2013
That certainly wasn't the last time he'd put himself down.
To all of you that drafted me on their fantasy hockey teams, rest assured,I've been working on some new techniques... pic.twitter.com/ZSfqosx6Q2
— Strombone (@strombone1) October 8, 2014
After doing the math.... If I play another 28 years I will still fall about 5-6 wins shy of tying Marty's record!
— Strombone (@strombone1) January 10, 2017
You know the boys have confidence in your goaltending skills when 3 guys line up to block a shot.....🚨🥅🚨 pic.twitter.com/Q5QfxrDnsm
— Strombone (@strombone1) September 18, 2017
Luongo was also a big fan of topical humor at his own expense, ribbing himself following a couple of Super Bowl victories by the New England Patriots.
Me and Tom Brady have a combined 5 championships! #blessed
— Strombone (@strombone1) February 6, 2017
Make it 6! Unreal run we’ve been on https://t.co/mBMVZhSkKk
— Strombone (@strombone1) February 4, 2019
He was also never shy about making fun of his on-ice misfortunes.
Problem solved........ pic.twitter.com/TyQ0HcGye0
— Strombone (@strombone1) February 11, 2015
If anybody finds my jock kindly return it thanks https://t.co/6Rt9S2if4g
— Strombone (@strombone1) November 30, 2016
Self-confidence
On the other hand, Luongo also knew his strengths and wasn't afraid to toot his own horn.
NHL 3 stars of the week
— Strombone (@strombone1) October 17, 2016
1) McDavid (2 goals 4 assists)
2) Matthews (4 goals in NHL debut)
3) Luongo (Funny Tweet)
Honored to be part of this picture between a true legend and Jaromir Jagr...Congrats bud @68Jagr !!! pic.twitter.com/ZUsWMo7TrQ
— Strombone (@strombone1) February 21, 2016
A little bit of both
Then there was the time he touted his own achievement while also working in a subtle self dig.
I went 9 for 9 in the shootout tonight! Maybe it really is time to consider bigger nets..... #NHLAllStar
— Strombone (@strombone1) January 31, 2016
Halloween costumes
Many athletes have shown tremendous creativity on Halloween, but Luongo's choices were especially memorable.
Trick or treat! #saltbae pic.twitter.com/4LDQ774HFx
— Strombone (@strombone1) October 31, 2017
Thank you @NHL for not scheduling any games on Halloween so we can take our kids trick or treating........ pic.twitter.com/QTb397vl3O
— Strombone (@strombone1) October 31, 2016
Gold-medal memories
Many fans could relate to Luongo's emotional state when Sidney Crosby scored his golden goal.
In the fetal position inside the net https://t.co/S7TQd78PFg
— Strombone (@strombone1) March 1, 2018
Breaking the internet
We saved the best for last, and this one really doesn't require much explaining. Here's Luongo showing off his Photoshop skills and channeling Kim Kardashian:
Let me tell ya.... Wasn't easy holding that stick there with all that oil on...... pic.twitter.com/eV0gHgXLOQ
— Strombone (@strombone1) November 13, 2014