It’s all over for Roberto Luongo tonight, aside from maybe a sardonic Tweet or two.
The New Jersey Devils chased the Florida Panthers goalies with five goals on just 14 shots on goal, ending Luongo’s night just 2:59 into the second period.
Many believed Luongo might be gone after the Panthers fell behind 4-0 entering the first intermission, with Damon Severson’s first NHL goal coming with a little less than 30 seconds remaining in the opening frame:
The 35-year-old made it out for the second period, yet a Ryane Clowe 5-0 goal ended his evening quite early.
Luongo might produce some self-mockery, but the fans greeted his backup with a variation of a Bronx cheer:
#FlaPanthers crowd cheers Al Montoya as he makes a glove save on first shot seen in Cats uniform in relief of Roberto Luongo
— George Richards (@GeorgeRichards) October 12, 2014
It seems like the Miami Herald’s George Richards can give Luongo the day off, really:
Special #FlaPanthers opening night avatar... pic.twitter.com/XVA3Qbm8oV
— George Richards (@GeorgeRichards) October 12, 2014
The Devils scored six goals in a win against the Philadelphia Flyers, so they’re off to a hot offensive start so far.
Update: As embarrassed as Luongo must be, the Panthers probably feel even worse:
#FlaPanthers attendance of 11,419 sets franchise low for a home opener, including when they were home team in Helsinki in 2009 (11,526)
— George Richards (@GeorgeRichards) October 12, 2014
Ouch.