Luongo unavailable, but joins team skate

Florida Panthers goalie Roberto Luongo is still dayto-day after re-injuring his knee during Friday’s loss to the Carolina Hurricanes.

Panthers coach Bob Boughner said the 39-year-old was on the ice for morning skate, but was unavailable to play in Monday night’s game against the New Jersey Devils.

Backup goalie James Reimer once again filled Luongo’s place in net. The team recalled Michael Hutchinson from their American Hockey League affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds, on an emergency basis.

Luongo’s season so far has been rife with injuries.

The veteran went down in the season opener against the Tampa Bay Lightning with a knee injury and missed the next month of the season. He returned to the lineup on Nov. 2 during the team’s trip in Finland, helping spur a five-game win streak.

The goalie’s return didn’t last long as he tweaked the same knee in Friday’s game at Carolina.

Luongo has played in just nine of the team’s 21 games this season. In those contests, he’s posted a .902 save percentage and 3.07 goals allowed per game.

In addition to Luongo, forward Denis Malgin is day-to-day with an upper body injury. The 21-year old didn’t participate in Monday’s morning skate at the BB&T Center.

Malgin was recalled from AHL Springfield on Wednesday after Vincent Trocheck fractured his ankle. Malgin played just over 11 minutes on Friday, taking one shot.

The 21 year old has appeared in 15 games for Florida this year, registering five points (one goal, four assists). The 5-foot-9 forward has played in 112 career NHL games, all with the Panthers.