After losing a heartbreaker to Vancouver in a shootout Sunday afternoon, Roberto Luongo rebounded with what can only be described as highway robbery against the San Jose Sharks Tuesday night.

If there was any doubt as to why Florida GM Dale Tallon traded for Luongo a few weeks ago, it was on full display as Luongo stopped 52 of 54 shots to steal the 3-2 victory.

With 7 starters missing from the lineup, head coach Peter Horachek got goal contributions from newcomer Brandon Pirri(G, A), Quinton Howden, and Scottie Upshall. This win was so unexpected as the Panthers are in the all-too-familiar "AHL mode" that has come to be commonplace for the last several years. Mass injuries and traded assets are par for the course in late March.

But this is a gritty young bunch with Bjugstad, Trocheck, and Howden leading the charge. The future keeps looking brighter and brighter.

BUT, tonight is about Luongo. In the 3rd period, the Sharks outshot the Panthers 29-2. He was simply sensational in every way, and easily earned first star honors for the game, followed by Pirri.

The Sharks are the fourth best team in the NHL in terms of points, and tonight's loss at the hands of the Panthers is only the 5th time they have lost on home ice this season.

Florida heads to Phoenix Thursday night where they try to avenge their home loss to the Desert Dogs last week.

A bizarre game against a superior opponent revealed what Vancouver fans loathe and Florida fans love...

...Luongo has a lot left in the tank.

That stability in net will compliment the emerging Florida youth perfectly for the next few years.

Dan Spiegel...
Florida Panthers Media

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