Panthers G Jose Theodore leaves early vs. Hurricanes because of leg injury

RALEIGH, N.C. - Florida Panthers goalie Jose Theodore has left the game against the Carolina Hurricanes just over two minutes in with an apparent leg injury.

Theodore, the 2002 NHL MVP with Montreal, kicked out his right pad to stop Jussi Jokinen on a 2-on-1 rush and immediately crumpled to the ice on the rebound attempt.

He was replaced by Scott Clemmensen after only 2:22 had elapsed, and a Panthers official said Theodore wouldn't return to the game.

Theodore (4-6-3) entered play Saturday night with a 3.30 goals against average and an .892 save percentage. Last season, a knee injury forced Theodore to be sidelined over two stretches of time.