Luongo’s return net gain for Panthers
Veteran goalie back in the lineup after being sidelined by latest knee issue
SUNRISE – After an absence of nearly two weeks, the Florida Panthers received a lift Tuesday night as Roberto Luongo made his return in net.
The 39-year-old goalie got the start against the Boston Bruins as the Panthers continued their eight-game homestand. Luongo missed the previous five games after re-tweaking his right knee in a game at Carolina on Nov. 23.
So far the 2018 season has been an injury-filled one for the standout goalie.
The veteran went down in the season opener against the Tampa Bay Lightning with the initial knee injury and missed the next month. He returned to the lineup Nov. 2 during the team’s trip to Finland, helping spur a five-game Panthers win streak.
Three weeks later, Luongo was forced off the ice again after reinjuring the same knee against the Hurricanes. Luongo has played in just 10 of the team’s 26 games this season. Entering Tuesday night, he had posted a .902 save percentage and 3.07 goals-against average.
His most recent start marked his 1,011th career NHL game. Luongo has spent 11 of his 19 seasons with Florida, recording 216 wins during that span.
With Luongo back in the lineup, the Panthers returned goalie Michael Hutchinson to their American Hockey League affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds. The 28-year-old was recalled Nov. 24 — one day after Luongo reinjured his knee — on an emergency basis.
Hutchinson has appeared in four games this season, notching a 1-1-2 record with a .839 save percentage and 4.18 goalsagainst average.