Panthers' Luongo leaves, returns after Montoya injury

SUNRISE, Fla. -- At different times during the game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday, the Florida Panthers started thinking they might have to use center Derek MacKenzie or goaltending coach Robb Tallas as their goalie.

In a strange twist players on both teams said they had never before seen, Panthers goalies Roberto Luongo and Al Montoya were injured during the game. Montoya was forced to play for more than 10 minutes in the third period with a groin injury, and Luongo finished the game after putting on his gear for a second time.

"Obviously we were really concerned," Panthers coach Gerard Gallant said after the 3-2 loss. "We're playing a pretty good game and all of a sudden, boom, boom, you lose two goalies real quick."

Goaltending coach Robb Tallas of the Florida Panthers
dressed for back up duty after both goaltenders were
injured against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
(Photo by Eliot J. Schechter/NHLI) (Click to enlarge)

Gallant said Wednesday that his goalies are day-to-day. Dan Ellis was recalled from San Antonio of the American Hockey League and will start Thursday against the Dallas Stars. Sam Brittain, recalled from Cincinnati of the ECHL, will back up Ellis. 

Luongo started the game but was replaced by Montoya at the start of the second period, with the Panthers announcing he would not return.

Luongo was hit by a wrist shot by Leo Komarov in the side of the head with 4:03 left in the period. He received medical attention and was able to play until the buzzer. Luongo underwent a CAT scan and sustained a shoulder injury.

Things got complicated when Montoya, his replacement, was injured 22 seconds into the third period in a collision with defenseman Brian Campbell on a goal by Toronto's Nazem Kadri that tied the game 2-2.

Montoya left the ice and play was stopped for several minutes before he returned.

Panthers general manager Dale Tallon said they at one point discussed the possibility of using MacKenzie as their goalie. The NHL ultimately approved the Panthers' request to have Tallas dress.

There was another delay during a stoppage at 3:34 of the third when Montoya skated to the Panthers bench and had a discussion with a trainer. During that time, Luongo, dressed in street clothes, had a conversation with Gallant and Tallon and returned to the dressing room to put on his gear.

Luongo returned to the net with 9:08 left in the third period. He stopped all 19 shots he faced, 16 in the first and three in the third.

Montoya gave up three goals on 15 shots but earned kudos for toughing it out.

"He stuck his neck out there for us," forward Brandon Pirri said. "I don't know what's wrong with him, but you see he was in pain. But he went back in there. He's a tough guy. You've got to give him credit for helping the boys out."