Florida Panthers Scott Clemmensen to Get Opportunity with Jose Theodore Out ... Injured Players Skate, Duo Headed on New York Trip

A tough part about being a backup goalie is having a rough outing and then not knowing when you'll get another chance.

Because of a knee injury to Jose Theodore, Florida's Scott Clemmensen was able to get right back at it.
Clemmensen was pulled after giving up three goals to the Rangers on Friday, only to come back in the following night. Clemmensen stopped 17 of 18 shots to help the Panthers beat visiting Montreal 3-2. 

This has been a trying season for Clemmensen who missed the first six weeks because of knee surgery before being slowed by a subsequent going injury following his first start of the season in Dallas on Nov. 15. Clemmensen gave up a total of 11 goals in three games prior to Saturday. 

“Injuries are part of the game. I know that,'' Clemmensen said. “I want to get going. We're near the halfway point, past Christmas. Jose has deserved the majority of starts this season. You have to play well when you get the opportunity. This is the best league in the world. Hopefully this is an opportunity for me to get some starts and get some consistency going.''

On Monday, coach Kevin Dineen said he hoped Theodore's injury wasn't too serious although he will miss the next two games. “We have our fingers crossed,'' Dineen said. The Panthers are waiting for the swelling to go down in Theodore's knee before it is known whether or not he'll need surgery.

“We'll be without him for a little stretch although I don't really have a timetable,'' Dineen said.

Florida recalled Brian Foster from their ECHL team in Cincinnati, but it is going to be a short-term gig for Foster. Jacob Markstrom will join the team in New York or beforehand; Markstrom's AHL San Antonio Rampage is in Charlotte for games Tuesday and Wednesday. 

“I wasn't really expecting it, but I'm real happy to be here,'' said Foster, 7-1-0 for the Cincinnati Cyclones this season. “I'm excited to play with these guys and try to get better. It's not a disappointment [not playing] because I'm going to get better being here. Just practicing, I'm happy with that. It's a good chance to work with [goalie coach Robb Tallas] because I don't see him that much. It's a good opportunity.''

-- Center Marcel Goc (concussion) and Mikael Samuelsson (tailbone) both wore non-contact jerseys but took part in Monday's lengthy practice.

Dineen said both would travel on the upcoming two-game trip to the New York metro area. Samuelsson is expected to play in at least one of the games. 

Jack Skille (shoulder), Scottie Upshall (hip) and Sean Bergenheim (groin) skated before the practice.

-- The Panthers will not practice Tuesday but return to their training facility Wednesday at 10 a.m.