Both Florida Tenders Tenderized; Goalie Coach Suits Up

As if the Florida Panthers didn't have enough challenges.

Playing relevant games in February, trying to make the playoffs for only the fourth time since springing to life in 1993-94, playing home games in front of crowds often dominated by opponents' fans, and bleeding money, the last thing this team needed was an injury epidemic.

At one position. Goalie. In the same game.

Well, Tallas did get an extra $500 out of the deal. That's what emergency goalies get when they sign a 24-hour tryout contract. He must've been pumping himself up with flashbacks of his salad days with Boston:

And just in case, Panthers coach Gerard Gallant was ready to tell center Derek MacKenzie to don the gear. Had he stepped between the pipes, it woulda been the first time a skater's done that since the inevitable Gerry Toppazzini bailed out the Bruins in 1960, for all of the game's final 30 seconds against Chicago.

Incidentally, Florida lost to Toronto, 3-2. And Dan Ellis is on his way from the AHL San Antonio Rampage, with Sam Brittain moseying on down from the ECHL Cincinnati Cyclones.