Robb Tallas has 99 career NHL appearances to his name, and he came dangerously close to adding No. 100 — as a 41-year-old.
The Florida Panthers goaltending coach nearly was called on for action Tuesday night against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Tallas was signed to an emergency contact after both of the Panthers’ goalies — Roberto Luongo and Al Montoya — went down with injuries.
Luongo was injured in the first period when he took a shot up around his right shoulder and neck area. He left the game and was replaced by Montoya, who did a pretty good job.
However, Montoya was injured while allowing a goal early in the third. The injury temporarily forced Montoya from the game.
Montoya left the game along with two Panthers skaters, who were assumed to be candidates to take over in goal, as a delay stopped the game. Head coach Gerard Gallant spoke with general manager Dale Tallon during the delay as they searched for an option.
Eventually, Montoya returned to the game, deciding to fight through the injury. While all this was happening, the Panthers signed Tallas to an emergency contract. With about 15 minutes to play, Tallas actually came out to the bench in full uniform and gear.
Meanwhile, Luongo — who came to the bench during the period in street clothes to talk to the coaches and training staff — eventually reemerged wearing his gear. Midway through the period, he skated out and assumed his spot between the pipes. Tallas stayed on the bench as the backup.
Luckily for the Panthers, they didn’t need Tallas, as Luongo finished the game, although the Leafs won 3-2.
Tallas did, however, make $500 for his work.
[tweet https://twitter.com/frank_seravalli/status/572961420721201153/photo/1 align=’center’]
The craziest thing about this entire ordeal? The Panthers had to suit up Tallas as their backup on March 4, 2013 — exactly two years to the date of Tuesday.
Thumbnail photo via Luis M. Alvarez/The Associated Press
