Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Panthers weigh goaltending options ahead of road trip
CORAL SPRINGS — The Florida Panthers still have three goaltenders — for now.
The club is approaching a decision about its goaltending situation, complicated by Harri Sateri’s strong recent play and the return of both Roberto Luongo and James Reimer from groin injuries. Luongo (on injured reserve) and Reimer each returned to full practice this week, but haven’t played in a game yet. Instead, Sateri has started the past six games, including Friday night’s 3-1 loss to the Los Angeles Kings.
The Panthers and coach Bob Boughner intended on riding whichever goalie was hottest. Recently, that was Sateri. During Florida’s four-game winning streak, he posted a .950 save percentage and a 1.50 goals against average, also earning the NHL’s second star of the week honors.
But Friday night stunted Sateri’s breakthrough, when he gave up three goals on 26 shots. It was the first time since Jan. 25 that Sateri gave up at least three goals, though Boughner said the Panthers “giftwrapped” a pair of Kings goals with turnovers.
On Saturday morning, Boughner did not name a starter ahead of Florida’s five-game road trip, but all three goalies practiced.
“I watched closely at practice today, and both Lu and Reims looked great,” Boughner said. “I’m excited about that. Going into next game, we’ll talk a little more now and we’ll talk on the plane a little bit tomorrow. Whoever starts, we’d like to get that guy in the mindset tomorrow. He’ll know tomorrow for sure. Definitely something we’re going to address here in the next couple hours.”
Luongo has not played since Dec. 4, when he injured his groin making a right pad save on New York Islanders defenseman Ryan Pulock. His first practice was Thursday morning and the Panthers have penciled in his return for the road trip.
On Thursday, Boughner hinted at a possible return against Vancouver on Wednesday, though Luongo still could surprise by being cleared for Monday’s game at Edmonton.
“I don’t have a target in mind,” Luongo said. “I’d love to play as soon as possible, but at the same time, I got to make sure that I’m ready and that I’m going to be helping the team.”
Reimer has not played since Jan. 23, when he pulled his groin attempting to make a right pad save on Dallas defenseman Greg Pateryn. His first practice was Monday, and he was cleared to play on Thursday. Reimer backed up Sateri on Friday night against the Kings.
Both injuries to Luongo and Reimer came at inopportune times for the Panthers. Luongo, in his seven games before the injury, posted a .940 save percentage and 2.03 GAA. Reimer, in his 10 starts before the injury, posted a .929 save percentage and 2.41 GAA.
Given the strong play from Luongo and Reimer prior to the injuries, combined with the practices this week, Boughner said he knows what he’s getting back in Reimer and Luongo.
“Reims before he got hurt was playing great hockey,” Boughner said. “Same thing with Lu. They both look good in practice. They seem like they’re in great shape. They’re working hard to get back. I’m not surprised when they come back if they have some success.”
Boughner has said before that Luongo is Florida’s No. 1 goalie and Reimer is the No. 2. That leaves Sateri on the outside looking in, potentially on his way back to AHL affiliate Springfield.
Sateri would not have to pass through waivers to return to the minors because he was recalled on an emergency basis to the NHL.
Sateri has passed a series of milestones since January began — first NHL game, first NHL start, first NHL win. The 28 year old bounced through the AHL and KHL before signing with the Panthers over the summer.
Should Sateri shuttle back to Springfield, he’d likely split time with goaltender prospect Sam Montembeault. Montembeault played his first game since Jan. 21 on Friday night, stopping 21 of 23 shots in relief.