After forgettable opener, Luongo looking to come up bigger in Game 2

After three blown leads, and five goals on 26 shots, Roberto Luongo's playoff debut with the Florida Panthers did not go according to plan.

The Panthers fell victim to John Tavares' three-point effort in a 5-4 loss to the New York Islanders in Game 1.

Luongo, who hasn't won a playoff contest since he recorded a shutout in Game 5 of the 2011 Stanley Cup Final, thought the Panthers played well enough in front of him, but that he wasn't as sharp as required.

"I think we played well in general, carried much of the play," Luongo told George Richards of the Miami Herald. "We had some breakdowns, but when that happens, I have to come up with some saves. I didn't do that enough. We just have to come back with the same attitude and I have to be better and make some saves."

Although Luongo feels responsible for the loss, Florida head coach Gerard Gallant isn't pointing fingers at his netminder.

"I thought our defensive game was bad and some of the shots were great," Gallant said. "I'm not going to blame (Luongo). He's been our key guy all year long."

Luongo went 35-19-4 in the regular season with a 2.35 goals-against average and a .922 save percentage en route to an Atlantic Division title.

Fortunately for Luongo and the Panthers, there's an early chance at redemption, as Game 2 is set for Friday night in a rare postseason back-to-back.

Despite the consecutive games, Luongo is expected to start Friday, and used an IV after Game 1 to prepare for the quick turnaround.