Flu strikes Panthers, who are already without top 2 goalies

Posted March 04, 2015 10:00 pm

The Associated Press

Florida Panthers starting goalie Roberto Luongo (1) replaces injured goalie Al Montoya (35) during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Tuesday, March 3, 2015, in Sunrise, Fla. The Maple Leafs won 3-2. (AP Photo/Luis M. Alvarez) The Associated Press

SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) - The Florida Panthers are missing more than just their starting and backup goalies against the Dallas Stars on Thursday night.

Jaromir Jagr, Erik Gudbranson and Willie Mitchell all sat out due to a flu-like illness. Mitchell had been scheduled to return on Thursday after missing 15 games because of an upper-body injury.

No. 1 goalie Roberto Luongo will miss the next two games due to a shoulder injury sustained Tuesday against Toronto, Panthers coach Gerard Gallant said.

"It's tough when you lose a guy like (Luongo)," Gallant said "Hopefully just short-term injury here, and hopefully he'll get back on the ice as soon as possible."

Luongo's backup, Al Montoya, will be sidelined at least two weeks because of a groin injury, also incurred on Tuesday. He will be re-evaluated then.

Dan Ellis started in goal Thursday against Dallas.

Florida Panthers goalie Roberto Luongo (1) talks to head athletic trainer Dave Zenobi, after an injury during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Tuesday, March 3, 2015, in Sunrise, Fla. Luongo did not play in the second period, but did in the third period. (AP Photo/Luis M. Alvarez) The Associated Press

Florida Panthersâ Jaromir Jagr (68), of the Czech Republic, moves the puck as Toronto Maple Leafsâ Dion Phaneuf (3) and Joakim Lindstrom, of Sweden, during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Tuesday, March 3, 2015, in Sunrise, Fla. (AP Photo/Luis M. Alvarez) The Associated Press

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