Panthers G Luongo (knee) could miss rest of October

Roberto Luongo is eager to get back on the ice with his Florida Panthers teammates.

But a knee injury is likely to keep the 39-year-old goaltender out of action until at least the end of October. Luongo spoke Saturday about the slow progress in recovering from his injury, which he sustained in the season opener Oct. 6 against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

"I haven't been on the ice yet," Luongo told reporters, according to NHL.com. "I'm still trying to get comfortable walking and all that kind of stuff. I don't have time to tell you specifically, but obviously, I'm working hard to bring back as soon as I can because I've done enough sitting around the last couple of years. I want to be on the ice with the boys."

Luongo missed 26 games last season because of a groin injury. He has played in only 75 games in the previous two seasons.

In his 19-year career, Luongo is 471-376-119 with a 2.49 goals-against average. He has appeared in 1,002 career games, which is third all-time among goaltenders behind only Martin Brodeur (1,266) and Patrick Roy (1,029).