Schneider back in goal for Canucks

The Vancouver Canucks were hoping to rally around the return of goaltender Cory Schneider on Sunday night.

Schneider, who missed Games 1 and 2 of the Canucks' first-round playoff series with the San Jose Sharks because of an undisclosed injury, was expected to start Game 3 in San Jose, the team announced. The Canucks trail 2-0 in the best-of-seven series after losing twice at home.

"I'm in tonight, I'm ready to play and I'm excited," Schneider said on Twitter.

Veteran Roberto Luongo had replaced Scnneider in goal for the first two games.

The Canucks have been offensively challenged in the opening-round series, scoring three goals in the two games.

In 30 regular-season starts, Schneider posted a 2.11 goals-against average and .927 save percentage, which ranked fourth in the NHL. In nine career playoff games, he has a 1.91 GAA and .940 save percentage.