Roberto Luongo will tend the twine in Thursday's Game 1 against the Islanders, Arthur Staple of Newsday reports.

Luongo will tend the twine in Thursday's Game 1 against the Islanders, Arthur Staple of Newsday reports.

Analysis:

The veteran netminder posted a strong 2015-16 regular season and will look to continue that success in the playoffs. He'll face a top-notch Islanders attack in the first round, but will avoid the opposition's top netminder (Jaroslav Halak) due to a groin injury. Luongo should man the crease in most of the Panthers' playoff games, making him a potentially valuable target in playoff pools if the Panthers can manage a deep run.