4 X factors who could push their team to NHL playoffs (Eastern Conference)

Florida Panthers X factor: Roberto Luongo and James Reimer

The goaltending duo of Roberto Luongo and James Reimer have been the backbone of the Florida Panthers during their red-hot March.

Another team filled with X factors and players who don’t get the spotlight they deserve, it’s hard to pick just one start on the Panthers. But goaltending tandem of Luongo and Reimer have been spectacular of late.

The Panthers have a 10-3-1 record through March, among the best in the league. And in large part, it’s due to their goal-tending. In the 14 games the Panthers have played in March, they have posted four shutouts, the most in the NHL. Each goalie has two of them.

Luongo has seen the bulk of the workload of late, and has posted good numbers. In 10 games, “Bobby Lu” is 5-3-1, sporting a 2.42 GAA and .927 save percentage, and, as mentioned, has two shutouts. When the veteran has needed a rest, Reimer has taken the crease with authority. In his last five games, Reimer has a perfect a 5-0 record, with a 1.00 GAA and .970 save percentage, as well as two shutouts (!).

The Panthers’ goalies have given the team a chance to win in every game through the month of March. It is essential both Luongo and Reimer continue to do so, as Florida is currently among the bottom half of the NHL in goals against per game.

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If the Panthers’ X factor goaltending due of Luongo and Reimer can continue their tremendous play through the final stretch,  there is a realistic chance we see playoff hockey in Sunrise, Florida.

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