from George Richards of On Frozen Pond,

In his first year as coach of the Panthers, Gerard Gallant has not let his emotions rise too high nor sink very low based on the outcome of a game.

Tuesday night, however, Gallant couldn't hide his disappointment nor frustration in what could be an extremely costly defeat.

The Panthers' playoff hopes took a major hit when Tampa Bay scored twice in the third period to come back to beat the visitors from South Florida 4-3.

Florida scored three goals in a span of 1:58 in the second period to take a lead into the third, but the hard-nosed Lightning never stopped coming.

"We battled back, we took the lead. The last goal cost us the hockey game,'' Gallant said.

"We played well, it's a disappointing loss. We gave up three weak goals -- not by the goaltending but by defensive zone coverage and not battling, not working. We played hard, but you can't give up three goals like that.''

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