A Florida Panthers Coach Suited Up In Full Gear After Both Goalies Got Hurt

The hockey game between the Florida Panthers and Toronto Maple Leafs took a fantastic turn on Tuesday night as Panthers goalie coach Rob Tallas was forced to suit up after his top two goalies got injured.

Roberto Luongo started the game for the Panthers, but after suffering an injury early in the game, he failed to return to the ice following the game’s first intermission. Backup goalie Al Montoya replaced him to start the 2nd period, but later he too suffered an injury, leaving the Panthers with an interesting dilemma. With only two goalies on the active roster and both of them hurt, who would they turn to? Enter coach Rob Tallas.

After signing an emergency one-day contract during a brief stoppage in play (for real), Tallas exited the locker room in full goalie gear ready to go. He had last suited up for an NHL game in 2001.

Unfortunately the world was not treated to the wonderful sight of a retired goalie attempting to play in a regular-season NHL game a full 14 years after he last played in the league as Montoya continued in net despite his injury. In fact even Luongo eventually came back in the game as well. But it is nice to know that coaches suiting up to play is a possibility for future games.

Tallas will be compensated for his brief foray back into the league to the tune of $500.

Not a bad deal considering he just sat on the bench like he always does.

[SB Nation]