Michael Leighton Comes Full Circle: Ex-Cane to Start Winter Classic
by Bob Wage on Jan 1, 2010 12:40 PM EST
330 comments
Michael Leighton has seen a bit of everything this past year. The ex-Carolina Hurricanes goalie started out this season the exact same way he ended up last season, sitting on the Canes' bench.
Cam Ward played the front end of back-to-backs. He also played the back end of them. He played so many games in a row that Leighton probably forgot what it was like to get on the ice during a game. At one point, the backup had only started two games during a 65 game stretch, (including the playoffs), when the team decided to give him a start against Minnesota on November 15.
When Ward fell to injury later in November, the Hurricanes by-passed the goalie once again and signed Manny Legace, who was playing in the AHL at the time. Legace started the very next game, as the Canes coaching staff pretty much proved beyond any doubt that they had zero confidence in their original backup.
Leighton finally did get a chance when Legace struggled and started a game against the Habs in Montreal. But as luck would have it, he suffered a groin injury during the game and had to be replaced.
Most agreed that Legace had out-played Leighton as both battled to remain in Carolina and Leighton was eventually placed on waivers in mid-December. The Flyers picked him up on re-entry, at half the cost of his $600,000 annual salary.
Since then, things have gone pretty well for the goalie who once set a record with 90 plus saves in a single AHL playoff game. Leighton is 4-0 while with the Flyers and has a save percentage of .951 along with a GAA of 1.50.
Leighton attributes some of his success to Flyers goalie coach, Jeff Reese.
"Jeff Reese and I have been working on some things that he wanted to tweak in my game and so far, things have been going well," Leighton said. "He just tried to simplify my game a little bit and use shorter movements. He kind of slowed things down and I don't have to work so hard. I've been working on it in practice and so far in games it's been working well.
"Reese went over some video from games that I played in Carolina and picked out a few things," Leighton said. "My first day here, we spent about a half hour watching video. He showed me how he wants me to play and how I had been playing. It didn't change my game too much but he tweaked a few things and it's been
going well."
Did the Philadelphia goalie coach see something in Leighton's game that Tom Barrasso did not see?
The backup goalie will not be sitting the bench while on hockey's biggest stage today. Leighton will start the Winter Classic for the Flyers and will be facing Boston goalie Tim Thomas. All across North America, people will be asking, "Who in the world is Michael Leighton?".
Will he get his name etched in the record books as the winning goalie for the Flyers in one of the most watched games in history? He joins another ex-Cane, coach Peter Laviolette in his quest for victory.
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Why did the coaching staff have a "lack" of
a hard-on for Leighton?
Was that a Mo decision or was that from the goalie coach, what’s his name?
Happerry Chrisolkwanaka
What I’m wondering is — was it a problem with coaching/chemistry with Leighton when he was with the ’Canes, or has he just finally found his internal motivation? Either way, I think it would be a mistake for the ’Canes not to look at his success and try to reflect on why he could not find that success in Carolina.
Like the bosses who after getting rid of somebody
find that they did the work quite well, they’ll still say “It’s just a disgruntled employee”
Happerry Chrisolkwanaka
I think it was a combination of both. Philly has a strong defense in front of their goalie which is something Leights never really had. Leights now has a fresh start and a chance.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
I’d like to think he did. You can’t ignore the fact that he needs a job next season and certainly wasn’t going to earn one by opening and closing the door.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
Well, Leight's wasn't going anywhere here.....
Legace is the type of backup you need, been there done that and is looking to stay in the NHL.
Leighton is, IMHNHO, is good enough to start with teams. His bailing the Canes out last year vs San Jose when the Canes looked like they were going nowhere last season showed that.
Happerry Chrisolkwanaka
Bob, that picture of Leights kills me every time. You gotta find a different one! :)
Definitely cheering for Leights in this one. Maybe not the Flyers, but for him.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
:gasp: I love Costas. To me, his voice equals big time sporting events (i.e. the Olympics).
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
Didn’t know deer held their breath during child birth…..
A
The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
On the Serengeti
female gazelles can “pull the fawn back in” during birth and run from the lions/etc then start the process all over again.
Happerry Chrisolkwanaka
Whenever I get the line
“You couldn’t survive having kids”, which is true, I use that.
Evolution works multiple ways.
Happerry Chrisolkwanaka
Not a prayer. I think the Beantown Rats or whatever…crush ’em.
Kinda wierd, I hope they both lose, but I’m pretty stoked for the game???
A
The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
Finally, the fight. Relatively unsatisfying.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
Happy new year folks. Leighton is looking sharp enough. Helps to have Pronger to make one feel safe.
Gleason for the "C" :
Just what do we need to do to make this happen?
So isn’t this cool? Other than I really don’t want either time to win. I thought the Carcillo interview – him waxing sentimental about those fights as a kid when he played hockey with his brothers in the back yard was truly “Classic” That’’s hockey folks.
Gleason for the "C" :
Just what do we need to do to make this happen?
Totally get you wanting both teams to lose. I want Leighton to do well so I guess I’m cheering against Boston more than against Philly.
Carcillo is definitely a character. LOL
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
I’m with you. Leights deserves a day in the sun after showing such patience. This is something he’ll always have. I find it strange to think the folks who don’t follow hockey watching this game for the nostalgic appeal and now know Leighton’s name, but not Cam Ward.
Gleason for the "C" :
Just what do we need to do to make this happen?
Interesting how quickly things and attitudes change. But I don’t have a bad thing to say about Leights-hopefully he finds the success he’s looking for. Even if it makes the Canes’ organization look a little silly in the process.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
He does look good. One fight, no goals.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
happy new year. Pretty good. Leights made a great glove snare from the split. good visual.
Gleason for the "C" :
Just what do we need to do to make this happen?
Still suckin’ wind, so it’s off to a good start!
A
The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
Nope still got 4 or so inches, but everything is pretty normal. Gonna get cold, though. Not above freezing for several days.
A
The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
supposed to be COLD here too all week, I hate it!!
"That’s what happens when you suck" - Tim Gleason
You live in New Bern. How cold could it be?!
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
Stupid move on TT’s part…
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
That was weird judgment . That’s what his Dmen are supposed to do.
Gleason for the "C" :
Just what do we need to do to make this happen?
I just remembered he used to have AWard handling that assignment. No wonder he was confused and thought it was his job.
Gleason for the "C" :
Just what do we need to do to make this happen?
note to Canes: Crash the crease!
Gleason for the "C" :
Just what do we need to do to make this happen?
Tim playing hand jive again. The B’s are beating themselves..
I should edit that..
A
The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
I admit I’m watching the Flyers to see if they’re playing like Lavi’s Canes (system wise)
Gleason for the "C" :
Just what do we need to do to make this happen?
No, that’s Mo’s system…
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
I see no diff., minus Mo’s last stand last year.
They both suck.
A
The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
I don’t think either one sucks. Mo may be closer to that though. I think they are both victims of poor decisions by the front office.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
I agree, but both had the same handicap. some of the worst hockey I have suffered through was under those two.
No love loss from me for either.
A
The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
But conversely likely some of the best hockey (at least for most people in the area) was under these two. You have to take the bad with the good.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
now if we could find some happy medium between the two…
"That’s what happens when you suck" - Tim Gleason
And while we’re at it we’ll find a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. ;)
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
Looks like Leighton´s got a good defense in front of him.
Now he can shine.
Adicted German Caniac since the beginning of the cup run in 06
Late to the party
Happy New Years everyone! Had to wait to catch up on the DVR before joining in. Nice game so far. Nice to see Leighs having a good game.
Happy New Year to you too!
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
No matter what happens in the game, it was worth watching just to see Chara and Pang standing next to each other.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
Hey everyone! Just stopping by to wish all of you a happy new year!
Go Canes (2010 version)!
by outlander_caniac on Jan 1, 2010 3:17 PM EST reply actions
Hey, bud! Hope you have a great year….and pass that dam test!
A
The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
I just saw they have a bit of a show planned for the announcement of the Team USA roster. Youth players coming out playing the roles of each member, I guess as they are announced…..Not sure I get it, but we’ll seen in awhile.
Gleason for the "C" :
Just what do we need to do to make this happen?
Tripp talked about today being really important a lot for him to have gotten it.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
you are talking about Tripp, he has a knack for the inappropriate
"That’s what happens when you suck" - Tim Gleason
Love that they described Leights as “a composed young man.” LOL
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
Holy cow was that close
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
Jim Cantore is killin me hanging out of the scoreboard, LOL!!!
"That’s what happens when you suck" - Tim Gleason
He reminds me of the guy from the Wizard of Oz that meets them at the gate. The “that’s a horse of a different color” guy.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
Oh I don’t know. The one with him as a football player and his daughter comes back…the name escapes me was pretty bad.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
Oh good awkward singing…
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
LOL I have a really inappropriate response to that, but I am going to resist. :D Is that some sort of Boston tradition to sing Sweet Caroline?
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
No I can’t. I really shouldn’t.
:whispers: hands touching something other than hands….
Going to get in so much trouble…
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
wouldn’t be a thread without some mention of a hot tub???
"That’s what happens when you suck" - Tim Gleason
Well he is really thick there. Oh god. I apologize.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
Purely from Tripp’s own commentary.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
No from the running into Timmy speech.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
I will still volunteer to test that comparison ;)
"That’s what happens when you suck" - Tim Gleason
I guess you could use binoculars.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
Yes score tied thanks to another former Cane.
Mark Recchi
Adicted German Caniac since the beginning of the cup run in 06
but he actually scored for his team
doing what was good for his team
No wonder why he’s not at Carolina any more
Happerry Chrisolkwanaka
A little late for the refs to decide to get involved. They weren’t calling these in the first period.
OT is great, but this means we have to wait longer for the announcement.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
Breathe. Drink some water.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
How many chances does Philly need?
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
Poor Michael. Good for NHL hockey though
Gleason for the "C" :
Just what do we need to do to make this happen?
You knew he had to come out eventually.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
he was solid (enough) for 56 minutes
Gleason for the "C" :
Just what do we need to do to make this happen?
That is the problem I see with Leighton. He can be absolutely brilliant; but in the end, if the pressure gets on, he will struggle. I think he is fortunate to be in Philadelphia and their excellent defense. His battle is much more mental than physical, I think. He’s just a player who finds a way to lose. Great guy with tons of talent. Just lacks the inner confidence to finish the deal.
Slightly OT – Canes away game tomorrow – that means the CC Ladies need to meet at the Backyard Bistro, right?
Almost 300 posts, what a way to bring in the new year…confirmation of a lack of a social life..
A
The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
Forwards
Backes
Brown
Callahan
Drury
Kane
Kesler
Kessel
Langenbrunner
Malone
Parise
Pavelski
Ryan
Stastny
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
D-men
E. Johnson
J. Johnson
Komisarek
Martin
Orpik
Rafalski
Suter
:(
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
Maybe Martin won’t be healthy to play. Can’t believe they took JJohnson.
Gleason for the "C" :
Just what do we need to do to make this happen?
Sounds like an effort by Burke to ultimately sign Johnson some time down the road. Not a hockey decision to take him.
Goalies
Miller
Quick
Thomas
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
-13 Jack Johnson and injured Paul Martin over Gleason????? guess they dont want any medals?
"That’s what happens when you suck" - Tim Gleason
Bullsh*t
I think we can all agree that our Timmy got screwed. Jack Johnson over Gleas. Bah humbug. Go Finland!
Burke is picking players he wants to sign
Burke is picking players he wants to sign. What better way to gain good will than to select a marginal player to the Olympics.
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