Roberto Luongo joined the Canucks at practice Tuesday for the first time since sustaining a groin injury in Pittsburgh on November 22 that has sidelined him from NHL action.  While it is still unclear when he will return, it's great news for the Canucks who have dearly missed their captain on their current seven game road trip.

Luongo told TSN that he is taking his time and not wanting to rush into game action.

"You want to make sure that once you come back, you don't have a recurring injury," Luongo said.  "You want to make sure that once you're back, you're one hundred percent, you feel comfortable and you're not really thinking about it."

The Canucks captain was originally expected to be out the rest of 2008 so the fact that he is back up and skating is a miracle in itself.  While Sanford and Schneider have stepped in admirably for the injured Luongo, Vancouver has lacked consistency in their goaltenders who have been solid, but have not been able to steal games for this team the way Luongo can.  Whenever he is back he will no doubt be met by thunderous ovations by fans and teammates alike.

"I'm improving every day," Luongo said.  "I really tested today when the leg's at its most vulnerable position and it went really well so we'll try to see if it can take a full practice tomorrow and take it from there.  Every day has been a positive day."

Prior to his injury Luongo was 11-5-2 with a 2.17 GAA and 5 shutouts this season.