Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Leighton's Bittersweet Legacy, Quick Hits

intriguing

Good summary on Leighton. He was as much as part of the positive parts of the 2010 Cup run as he was when the final goal was "scored".

As for Afanasenkov, I always thought he was a good player here. Was he representing himself in these contract negotiations? I'm not saying what went down was right (because it wasn't) but I would suggest it is probably best, as an athlete, to have a buffer because I would guess it gets personal if you have to do your own negotiating.

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Leighton's Bittersweet Legacy, Quick Hits
- bmeltzer

Never have so many words ever been written about Michael Leighton.

A new World Record?

Never have so many words ever been written about Michael Leighton.

A new World Record?
- bradleyc4

Without having read Leighton's wikipedia entry, I'm gonna go out on a limb and say that what Bill wrote is likely better and more complete.

Still can't believe he was slated to be our #1 goaltender until Bob stole the show.

Michael Leighton

#1 goalie

Nice article Bill. It's good to remember that Leighton did have some good moments.

Does anyone else have a concern with the addition of Lecavalier means the Flyers have 3 natural playmakers and no true goal scorers? I think they really could use Gagne this year.

Does anyone else have a concern with the addition of Lecavalier means the Flyers have 3 natural playmakers and no true goal scorers? I think they really could use Gagne this year.
- tk71

Rest assured, Gags will re-sign and retire as a Flyer and balance will be restored in the universe

Vinny is the prototypical Flyer. His physical play, leadership, and scoring makes this team infinitly more dangerous.

Homer had a very strong offseason IMO.

Does anyone else have a concern with the addition of Lecavalier means the Flyers have 3 natural playmakers and no true goal scorers? I think they really could use Gagne this year.
- tk71

Although his scoring has really (REALLY) dipped, he did once post 52 goals. Also, Hartnell should bounce back, and Voracek has almost as many goals as assists last year. They don't have a true "sniper" a la Stamkos/Ovechkin, but I don't think scoring will be an option, and I don't think Gagne is the answer at this point in his career.

Does anyone else have a concern with the addition of Lecavalier means the Flyers have 3 natural playmakers and no true goal scorers? I think they really could use Gagne this year.
- tk71

Flyers need more HITS !

Those are AMAZING !

Although his scoring has really (REALLY) dipped, he did once post 52 goals. Also, Hartnell should bounce back, and Voracek has almost as many goals as assists last year. They don't have a true "sniper" a la Stamkos/Ovechkin, but I don't think scoring will be an option, and I don't think Gagne is the answer at this point in his career.
- jmatchett383

As pointed out earlier, Vinny a beast last season, on a point-per-game pace before his injury

Flyers need more HITS !

Those are AMAZING !
- bradleyc4

HIT SOMEBODY!

DO SUMTHIN WITH IT!

It's so ironic that the Bryz move, devised to shake the 'goaltending nightmare' stigma the Flyers have, is at the core of such a troublesome period at the position. I'm so glad we went with the low risk, low commitment solution this season.

There's a soft spot in my heart for Leighton after that 2010 run, but boy am I glad he's far away from Philadelphia.

It's so ironic that the Bryz move, devised to shake the 'goaltending nightmare' stigma the Flyers have, is at the core of such a troublesome period at the position. I'm so glad we went with the low risk, low commitment solution this season.

There's a soft spot in my heart for Leighton after that 2010 run, but boy am I glad he's far away from Philadelphia.
- BulliesPhan87

It's like raaaiiiiiin on your wedding day?

Wait; that's not ironic, that's just unfortunate.

It's so ironic that the Bryz move, devised to shake the 'goaltending nightmare' stigma the Flyers have, is at the core of such a troublesome period at the position. I'm so glad we went with the low risk, low commitment solution this season.

There's a soft spot in my heart for Leighton after that 2010 run, but boy am I glad he's far away from Philadelphia.
- BulliesPhan87

Leighton is a huge reason we were even in the SCF in the first place.
Yes the Kane goal sucked but that goal was unstoppable and totally sick.

Leighton is a huge reason we were even in the SCF in the first place.
Yes the Kane goal sucked but that goal was unstoppable and totally sick.
- MrBigglesworth

Leighton is a huge reason we were even in the SCF in the first place.
Yes the Kane goal sucked but that goal was unstoppable and totally sick.
- MrBigglesworth

This cannot be serious...

I choose to remember the Leighton of 2010 who helped the Flyers come back against the Bruins and then shut the door against the Habs.

That was a great two month run starting with the win over the Rangers just to get in.

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Leighton's Bittersweet Legacy, Quick Hits
- bmeltzer

Thanks Bill, I didn't know if I should just laugh or cry after reading that. Hindsight is always 20/20, but wouldn't it be nice to be going into 13-14 with a goalie tandem of Bobrovsky/Emery. Then again, who knows how successful Bob will be this year in Columbus.

Although his scoring has really (REALLY) dipped, he did once post 52 goals. Also, Hartnell should bounce back, and Voracek has almost as many goals as assists last year. They don't have a true "sniper" a la Stamkos/Ovechkin, but I don't think scoring will be an option, and I don't think Gagne is the answer at this point in his career.
- jmatchett383

Hopefully Hartmell comes in ready to play this year and that Voracek will continue to shoot... I just liked how Gagne would just shoot whenever he had the puck on his stick where as Voracek seems to think pass first. Now I know Gagne is not the same player he once was.

It's so ironic that the Bryz move, devised to shake the 'goaltending nightmare' stigma the Flyers have, is at the core of such a troublesome period at the position. I'm so glad we went with the low risk, low commitment solution this season.

There's a soft spot in my heart for Leighton after that 2010 run, but boy am I glad he's far away from Philadelphia.
- BulliesPhan87

But if/when it fails...

"WE NEED RYAN MILLERS !"

I read everything but I had to skip the part about the Chicago series...

I read everything but I had to skip the part about the Chicago series...

Nice read, but the Cup Winning goal was not shot from behind the goal line. Still a tough goal to swallow losing the Cup on, but it was probably one of the weirdest Championship winning plays in history. No one in the entire building or television knew it went in other than Patrick Kane and 1 or 2 Hawks
.