Luongo turns corner

Boughner said that injured goaltender

(lower-body) has “turned a corner a little bit” in his rehabilitation process, before adding that the beginning of February was still the target for his return.

“He’s shown some good improvement here in the last few days,” Boughner said. “We’re excited to hopefully get him back on the ice during a practice.”

Luongo has been out since Dec. 4, when he injured himself making a

Luongo Roberto

right pad save on a slap shot from Islanders defenseman

Friday will mark the 17th consecutive game he’s missed.

Luongo first skated on Dec. 21, but has not participated in a Panthers practice. Boughner did not say when he would practice with the team, and did not say how many practices Luongo would need to feel comfortable playing.

“I think we got to judge that after the first few practices and see how he feels,” Boughner said.

During the bye week, Boughner said Luongo continued his rehab and workout regimen.

“He’s still on the same timetable, but we were sort of waiting,” Boughner said. “Sometimes on those long rehabs, you got good days and bad days. He’s had some good ones back-toback now. Hopefully, he’s out of those tougher days.”

Ryan Pulock.