The Return of Robb Tallas

A series of unfortunate events forced the Florida Panthers with no other option but to sign 39-year-old goaltending coach Robb Tallas to a one-day contract to serve as an emergency goalie for the March 3rd, 2013 game vs. Carolina.

The previous night starting goaltender Jose Theodore was injured, tearing his groin. The Panthers summoned minor league prospect Jacob Markstrom from San Antonio of the AHL for Sunday's game against the Hurricanes.

But while Markstrom made it to the game on time, his equipment did not. United Airlines misplaced his luggage, including his pads and mask.

Regular back up goaltender Scott Clemmenson played the full game, losing 3-2. Tallas participated in warm up. Markstrom's equipment did make it to the arena during the first period.

Tallas is hardly a stranger to NHL nets, though it has been a while. Tallas played 99 games in his NHL career, mostly with Boston, posting a career record of 28-40-10 with 2 shutouts and a .891 save percentage. In his last stint he suited up for the Chicago Blackhawks in 2000-01, over 12 years ago! He did play in Europe up until 2005.