Both Florida Goalies Injured as Panthers Drop Bizarre Game to Maple Leafs
Right in the thick of the playoff race – and just as the trade deadline has come to pass – the Florida Panthers dropped a crucial contest on Tuesday after a stunning turn of events.
After taking a puck to the shoulder in the first period of their game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, starting goaltender Roberto Luongo was forced to leave the game, and backup Al Montoya came on in relief.
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But things took a peculiar turn in the third, as Montoya was injured as the Maple Leafs tied the game 2-2 just 22 seconds into the period, appearing to twist his leg awkwardly while attempting a save on a Toronto shot.
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The game then went into a long break in the action, as the Panthers tried to figure out what to do. Panthers center Derek MacKenzie headed to the dressing room at one point, possibly to suit up in goalie gear. Goaltending coach Robb Tallas was quickly signed to an emergency contract and got dressed for action; he hadn’t played in an NHL game since 2001.
Montoya stayed in the game, however, though obviously still in pain. This was evident on Peter Holland’s goal that gave the Leafs a 3-2 lead, as Montoya was unable to move laterally to make a save on the chance.
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In a stunning turn, and with the Panthers desperate for a win, Luongo returned to the game with less than 10 minutes to play, despite being seen in street clothes shortly before.
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The return of their starter wasn’t enough to lead the Panthers to victory, however, as the Leafs held on for a bizarre 3-2 win.
The Panthers were unable to get any points out of this contest, as a win would have pulled them dead even with the idle Bruins for the second Wild Card spot in the East. The Panthers can only hope that the injuries to their netminders aren’t too serious, which would put their push for the postseason in serious jeopardy.
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