The Florida Panthers brought up some much-needed netminding enforcement on Wednesday, recalling veteran Dan Ellis from AHL San Antonio.
Ellis, 34, is headed to Florida one day after a wild loss to Toronto, during which both Roberto Luongo and Al Montoya exited due to injury, forcing 41-year-old goalie coach Rob Tallas to suit up in an emergency role and forcing Luongo to return to the game after he’d already changed into his street clothes.
There’s still no word on exactly how badly either of the Panthers’ two netminders are hurt. Luongo suffered an apparent shoulder injury and was set to undergo further evaluation; Montoya hurt his groin “pretty bad,” per head coach Gerard Gallant.
If both are sidelined for any length of time, it’ll be a huge blow for Florida’s playoff chances. The team missed a golden opportunity to draw even with Boston on 71 points last night -- the Bruins currently hold the final wild card spot in the Eastern Conference -- and Florida has two more games coming up in quick succession: Thursday against the Stars, Saturday against the Islanders.
Update: The Panthers also recalled goalie Sam Brittain from the ECHL, which is an indication neither Luongo nor Montoya will be ready for Thursday’s game against Dallas.