Florida Panthers: James Reimer To Get First Start Against Lightning
After signing a five year contract with the Florida Panthers this offseason, James Reimer will finally get into his first game of the season.
Roberto Luongo started the first two games of the season, winning both contest, and eventually earning the third star of the week honors in the process – as well as taking sole possession of sixth place in most wins all time.
The 28 year old Reimer spent the first four and a half seasons of his career with the Toronto Maple Leafs until being traded to the San Jose Sharks at the trade deadline. After backing up Martin Jones on the Sharks’ run to the Stanley Cup Final, Reimer signed a long term deal with the Panthers.
Since Luongo is 37 years old, it is expected that Reimer will help give the veteran some extra time off and then eventually take over as the full fledge number one down the road.
In his career against the Tampa Bay Lightning – who the Panthers face tonight – Reimer has a less than stellar record of 3-6. Of course, those games was when he was with the not as great Maple Leafs team. In the nine games, Reimer has posted a .915 SV% and a 2.87 GAA, both of which are right along his career numbers (2.78 GAA, .914 SV%).
Luongo in his career against the Lightning has posted a 17-15 record, to go along with a .922 SV% and a 2.48 GAA.
Ben Bishop will get the start for the Lightning, and though it has been a less than ideal start for him this season (4.00 GAA, .875 SV%), he has posted strong numbers against the Panthers in his career. In ten starts, he has posted a 7-2-1 record, with a .912 SV% and a 2.32 GAA.
Getting Shots on Net
The Lightning, despite being 2-0 on the season, have allowed the fourth most shots on net per game early on. Through two games, they are allowing on average 35 shots on net per game.
This is where the Panthers can really take advantage, as they lead the league in shots, averaging 36 per game. They also allow a league least 23 shots on net their way.
Homecoming
It wasn’t a long stay for Jon Marchessault, but he will return to the place where he spent his first and only full season of hockey. In 45 games played with the Lightning last year, he registered 18 points (7 G, 11 A). In just two games with the Panthers this season, he has already scored four points (2 G, 2 A).
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