In two of the Philadelphia Flyers' three losses in the Stanley Cup Final, goalie Michael Leighton has struggled. Last night, in Game 5, he allowed three goals in the first period, which prompted coach Peter Laviolette to pull him. The story was similar in Game 1, when he allowed 5 goals.
So when the media asked Laviolette if Leighton would continue to protect the net in Game 6, it was interesting when Laviolette declined comment. More specifically, here's what he said, via Philip Hersh:
"I don't comment on lineups," Laviolette said.
Then, after a second question was asked, Laviolette said, "I'm gonna go back on that first question."
So he added the qualifier, "Unless I want to."
Laviolette later said he had made up his mind about the Game 6 starter, but had not yet told the goalie. The Flyers -- and the Blackhawks -- have Monday off.
Travis Hughes of Broad Street Hockey, SB Nation's Flyers blog, advises against blaming Leighton for the loss. "It was a team effort," he says.
The alternative to Leighton is Brian Boucher, who started for Philadelphia throughout the regular season before injuring his knees in the first round of the playoffs.