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Roberto Luongo to miss at least two games for Panthers

Roberto Luongo to miss at least two games for Panthers

The Florida Panthers summoned Sam Brittain from ECHL Cincinnati and Dan Ellis from AHL San Antonio on Wednesday in preparation for the news head coach Gerard Gallant delivered after Thursday’s morning skate.

After getting injured Tuesday night against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Al Montoya will be out at least two weeks with a groin injury, while Roberto Luongo will miss the next two games and then be considered “day-to-day,” according to Gallant, who added he doesn't believe it’s a long-term injury.

“Whew!” said Panthers fans. Luongo has been a game-changer since he arrived back in South Florida a year ago and big part of why they're in contention for a playoff spot this season.

For all the silliness that went down at BB&T Center the other night, it was a big two points lost by the Panthers. With 18 games to go, they trail the Boston Bruins by two points. In Florida’s favor is the fact that the two teams play three times over the final month of the regular season, a great opportunity to gain ground. Not in the Panthers’ favor is that Boston has two games in-hand.

If they can get Luongo back soon rather than later, those games with the Bruins could really swing the race for the Eastern Conference's final wild card spot.

If the goalie injury jinx continues to hit the Panthers, well, then there's always Robb Tallas, right?

“Robbie looks good today," Gallant joked.

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Sean Leahy is the associate editor for Puck Daddy on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!

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