Kukla's Korner Hockey
Next entry: Rangers/Islanders Game In 3D
Previous entry: Senators Hope To Find Their Game On The Road
Flyers Now Turn Their Attention To Boucher
by Paul on 03/18/10 at 07:48 AM ET
Comments (9)
from Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer,
Michael Leighton, who has been a waiver-wire wonder, suffered a high sprain of his left ankle early in the Flyers’ 4-3 shoot-out loss to the Predators and is expected to miss at least a few weeks. His MRI won’t be taken until today, when the Flyers will learn the severity of the injury.
That means the Flyers’ drive to the playoffs could be in the hands of Brian Boucher, a capable veteran but someone who hasn’t started since Dec. 21.
Boucher, who will start tonight in Dallas, said he felt bad for Leighton but was “excited for the chance to play at this time of the year.”
If Leighton is sidelined for a considerable amount of time, can Boucher find the rhythm to take the Flyers deep into the playoffs?
That is, if they qualify.
Filed in: NHL Teams, Philadelphia Flyers | KK Hockey | Permalink
Comments
The Flyers called up Jeremy Duchesne from Adirondack, and who only about a week ago was in Kalamazoo of the ECHL before being called up to Adirondack of the AHL to fill in as a backup, then pressed into duty when Backlund got sick (and managed a shutout). Adirondack then called up Teslak from Wheeling.
I’m hearing rumors that the Flyers are considering signing Robert Esche from the KHL this offseason. Are the Flyers really this unoriginal when it comes to goalies? They continually seem to bring back goalies that didn’t work out the first time, then are shocked and surprised that it doesn’t work out the second time either… haven’t they ever heard of internal goalie development?
Posted by Primis on 03/18/10 at 09:35 AM ET
This team will go no where. All their money is tied up in overpaid forwards with no trade contracts. They should have traded someone at the deadline for a goaltender now they are stuck with a weak back-up and a minor leaguer. Stick a fork in them, they’re done.
Posted by Bo from FL. on 03/18/10 at 10:13 AM ET
They could still injure every team they have left to play in the lEast and hope that puts them in a playoff spot.
Or has that been the game plan all along?
Posted by redxblack from Akron Ohio on 03/18/10 at 10:15 AM ET
They just need to change culture in the locker room. I would like to trade hartnell or carter in package for #1 goalie.
Posted by FlyersFan on 03/18/10 at 10:30 AM ET
Duchesne was only recalled as Backlund, who has been very impressive for a weak AHL side, is out with the ominous “Upper Body” injury. My guess is that Duchesne will be swapped for Backlund come Saturday.
Esche had terrific numbers for SKA St. Petersburg and was arguably the top netminder in the KHL. Frankly, it doesn’t seem like a bad idea. What else are they supposed to do? I love the comment about being “unoriginal”. Seems extremely ignorant, no? What teams have seen both starters go down this year? And what would any team do in that situation? LA Kings are one of the few teams that come to mind that have an abundance of depth at the position. I think the Esche signing would be a coup - a smart, cheap and viable solution…
Posted by ProjectMayhem on 03/18/10 at 10:47 AM ET
I think the Esche signing would be a coup - a smart, cheap and viable solution…
Signing Esche would be dumb. Ok, he comes in and plays on fire for the Flyers. But then once the playoffs start, he can’t play. So then they have to go to either Boucher/AHL Goalie, who would have had to sit while Esche was on his tear. Just what you want, a cold goalie in the playoffs. At this point, you have to ride either Boucher or the AHL goalie and hope they catch fire. I don’t see the Flyers making it out of the first round (which would be fine by me).
Posted by pens fan in baltimore on 03/18/10 at 11:18 AM ET
Ok, he comes in and plays on fire for the Flyers. But then once the playoffs start, he can’t play.
How long do you think high ankle sprains take to recover? Last time I checked, the standard was 3 to 4 weeks. If that is the case, Leighton will be back. A couple games at the end of the season and he’s ready to roll. Cam Ward wasn’t en fuego when he stepped in for Carolina. This notion that you absolutely without doubt MUST have a hot goalie going into the playoffs is so short-sighted and “dumb” to quote you.
Posted by ProjectMayhem on 03/18/10 at 01:03 PM ET
How long do you think high ankle sprains take to recover? Last time I checked, the standard was 3 to 4 weeks.
Marc-Andre Fleury had a high ankle sprain in the 2007-2008 regular season. It occured on 12/6. He didn’t return until 2/28. It also doesn’t help that goalies tend to push more side to side, giving them more problems with a high ankle sprain. Do you need a hot goalie? No. But you need a goalie who is going to get a majority of the starts. Like I said. If the Flyers sign Esche, and he plays well, then you have to put in a goalie who barely played the last month. If Boucher/AHL goalie play well down the stretch, why would you put Leighton in, who wouldn’t have started in a month/month and a half and will be playing in such a high stakes game?
Posted by pens fan in baltimore on 03/18/10 at 03:19 PM ET
Add a Comment
Please limit embedded image or media size to 575 pixels wide.
Add your own avatar by joining Kukla's Korner, or logging in and uploading one in your member control panel.
Captchas bug you? Join KK or log in and you won't have to bother.
Commenting is not available in this weblog entry.
Most Recent Blog Posts
Video- Sundin And Roenick Honored By Their Respective Teams
Randy Carlyle Ready To Coach Again
Just Another Game For The Wings?
Video- Flyers Lose 5-2 At Home To Rangers
Video- Lars Eller Goal, Good Offense Or Bad Defense?
Hockey Talk In the Middle Of February
About KK Hockey
Paul Kukla founded Kukla’s Korner in 2005 and the site has since become the must-read site on the ‘net for all the latest happenings around the NHL.
From breaking news to in-depth stories around the league, KK Hockey is updated with fresh stories all day long and will bring you the latest news as quickly as possible.
Email Paul anytime at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
When learning from experts it’s best to learn personally from them, or from their blog. We can provide that with poker lessons blog, your home to learn poker personally.
Do you get shocked from the luck in the game of poker? Stop getting shocked and start being a Poker Shoker
Make extra cash while playing online poker. Rakeback is free and comes with rake races.
Kukla’s Korner is always a free service for readers, but it costs some money to maintain. If you’re ever in a position to donate a few dollars to help out, we’d be very appreciative.
Reports now popping-up that Leighton is out six weeks.
Posted by Paul from Motown Area on 03/18/10 at 07:52 AM ET