Panthers Goaltender Roberto Luongo Expected to Play in his 1,000th game
Tonight, Panthers netminder becomes only the third goalie in NHL history to play 1,000 games
Luongo, 39, will become the third goaltender in NHL history to reach the 1,000-game mark, joining Hall of Fame goalies Martin Brodeur andPatrick Roy. He will become the 322nd player in NHL history to reach the 1,000 game milestone and the 11th player in franchise history to reach the 1,000 game mark in a Panthers uniform (Greg Adams,Radek Dvorak, Mike Foligno, Chris Gratton, Brian Campbell, Bryan McCabe, Scott Mellanby,Kirk Muller, Lyle Odelein and Cory Stillman).
"On behalf of the entire Florida Panthers organization, I would like to congratulate Roberto on becoming only the third goaltender in NHL history to reach 1,000 games in what has been a Hockey Hall of Fame-caliber career," Panthers President of Hockey Operations & General Manager Dale Tallon said. "Throughout his career, he has proven to be a dominant player and an exemplary leader. His dedication to his family, his teammates and the game of hockey is second to none. With three games remaining, his sole focus is on the success of the Panthers and the team's push towards the Stanley Cup Playoffs. We look forward to honoring his accomplishment at the start of next season with his family, friends and the entire Panthers family."
The 6-foot-3, 217-pound native of Montreal, Quebec, was originally selected by the New York Islanders in the first round (fourth overall) of the 1997 NHL Draft. Over 18 NHL seasons with the NY Islanders, Vancouver Canucks and Florida, Luongo ranks third all-time in games played (999), fourth in wins (470), seventh in career save percentage (.919) and tied for ninth in shutouts (76).
In the postseason, Luongo owns a NHL career 34-35 record and five shutouts over 70 career Stanley Cup Playoff Games. He helped lead the Vancouver Canucks to the 2011 Stanley Cup Final owning a 15-10 record and four shutouts.
Luongo's resume includes a historic level of success on the international stage, where the Panthers goaltender has earned two Olympic gold medals (2010, 2014), two IIHF World Championship gold medals (2003, 2004) and a World Cup of Hockey gold medal (2004) while competing for Team Canada. He has won the William M. Jennings Trophy (2011, with Cory Schneider) and has played in five NHL All-Star Games (2004, 2007, 2009, 2015, 2016). The veteran netminder has been nominated for the Vezina Trophy three times (2004, 2007, 2011), the Lester B. Pearson Award twice (2004, 2007) and the Hart Memorial Trophy once (2007).
In his career with the Panthers, Luongo helped lead the club to a 2015-16 Atlantic Division title, while tying his franchise single-season wins record (35) in the midst of Florida's franchise-best season (47-26-9, 103 points). He is also Florida's franchise leader in wins (211), shutouts (37) and games played by a goaltender (527).
Luongo first joined the Panthers after being traded to the club from the New York Islanders on June 24, 2000. Luongo spent five seasons with the Panthers before being traded to Vancouver on June 23, 2006. After seven seasons with the Canucks, Luongo returned to Florida on March 4, 2014. Since returning to South Florida in the 2013-14 season, Luongo has posted a 103-71-27 record, a 2.44 goals against average, .921 save percentage and 11 shutouts.
With the Canucks, Luongo backstopped the team to two President's Trophies (2010-11, 2011-12) and six Pacific Division titles (2006-07, 2008-09, 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13). On September 30, 2008, Luongo was named the captain of the Vancouver Canucks, becoming the first goaltender to serve as captain of an NHL club since 1947-48 (Bill Durnan-Montreal Canadiens).
The Panthers will honor Luongo's 1,000th game accomplishment with a pregame ceremony during the 2018-19 season as a part of the organization's 25th Anniversary celebration.
This is Panthers Territory. We unite on Thursday, when the Florida Panthers host the Boston Bruins at BB&T Center (7:30 P.M.). Join our territory and become a Season Ticket Holder to enjoy exclusive savings on select BB&T Center concessions, 25th Anniversary Discount at Pantherland store and priority access to Stanley Cup Playoff tickets. Visit FloridaPanthers.com/TicketCentral or call 954-835-PUCK (7825) for more information.
