Roberto Luongo Passes Tony Esposito for 7th on NHL All-Time Wins List

Florida Panthers goalie Roberto Luongo surpassed Tony Esposito to move into sole possession of seventh place on the NHL's all-time wins list after the Panthers defeated the Detroit Red Wings, 6-3, on Thursday, per NHL Public Relations.

Luongo recorded 36 saves, earning his fifth straight win and eighth in his last 11 starts.

The Panthers tweeted this after the victory Thursday night:

Florida has been in the midst of an unfamiliar rise atop the NHL's standings, and that's been due to the play of Luongo. He came into Thursday's tilt with the Red Wings tied for fourth in the league in save percentage at .930 and is now tied for fourth with 23 wins on the season.

Not only has Luongo been great overall, but he's been taking care of business at the BB&T Center. Luongo's win on Thursday was his ninth in a row at home, the longest such streak in franchise history.

It's because of that play the Panthers have the second-most points in the Eastern Conference and are closing in on their first playoff spot since 2012. For a team that hasn't tasted much playoff success, it's a necessity to have a goaltender who is experienced and has been tested in the postseason.

It's been four years since Luongo last played in the playoffs and six since he last was a goaltender for a Stanley Cup team. With the way the Panthers have played this season, Luongo may get that chance now as the goalie with the seventh-most wins of all time.