He is not a capable backup for a cup contending team.
Period end of story. I can't deny Leighton played well getting us to the cup. But he also showed how bad he was during those cup finals. The guy is a fringe back up goalie. Always has been.
Besides we didn't win the cup. Boucher got us into the playoffs that year, and if he didn't get injured probably would have done a much better job. - Flyersgod
Leighton is absolutely capable of being a backup on a contending team. If you're going to make a blanket statement and say period end of story. Explain why you think that?
Boucher probably would have done a better job? That's speculation. He also could have done worse.
He is not a capable backup for a cup contending team.
Period end of story. I can't deny Leighton played well getting us to the cup. But he also showed how bad he was during those cup finals. The guy is a fringe back up goalie. Always has been.
Besides we didn't win the cup. Boucher got us into the playoffs that year, and if he didn't get injured probably would have done a much better job. - Flyersgod
He's a journeyman granted, but please tell me what about his play and technique tell you he's not an NHL calibre goaltender. I don't agree Bouch got us into the playoffs all by himself. After December, Leighton's play allowed us to get back into the playoff race. He got hurt in Nash and Boucher took the reigns back, and played well. Boucher dominated in the first round win vs NJ, then Leighton came back and played well enough to get by Boston. He then dominated vs Montreal to get us to the finals. Neither played well that series. His record isn't outstanding, but it seems when he has been healthy and plays a lot, he is solid. He was an AHL all star last year and factor in that he has worked well with Reese tells me that he is fine to back Bryz up for a small amount of games. I like Bouch but I'd rather have Leighton than Bouch who is coming off hip surgery.
I don't know why people are always so down on Leighton. Without him, we don't go to the Finals in 2010. Even though he's had injuries the last couple years, he's a capable backup who seems to be in good shape. You'd rather have Boucher who had offseason hip surgery than Leighton who IMO can easily handle 5-10 games max backing up Bryz? - Hextall271
boucher also got them to the finals in 10...
didn't know about the hip surgery, otherwise i'd 100% rather him be the backup than leighton
Leighton is absolutely capable of being a backup on a contending team. If you're going to make a blanket statement and say period end of story. Explain why you think that?
Boucher probably would have done a better job? That's speculation. He also could have done worse. - MJL
It is almost impossible for anyone to have played better than Leighton did vs Montreal. 3 shutouts in 5 games. That's epic domination and watching it, he was in a zone...
Leighton is absolutely capable of being a backup on a contending team. If you're going to make a blanket statement and say period end of story. Explain why you think that?
Boucher probably would have done a better job? That's speculation. He also could have done worse. - MJL
I have to prove he's not a capable back up? I figured he did that time and time again when he was waived by Chicago, Nashville, Carolina, and the Flyers.
Speculation that he only has 35 wins? I think you just search for arguments.
He's a journeyman granted, but please tell me what about his play and technique tell you he's not an NHL calibre goaltender. I don't agree Bouch got us into the playoffs all by himself. After December, Leighton's play allowed us to get back into the playoff race. He got hurt in Nash and Boucher took the reigns back, and played well. Boucher dominated in the first round win vs NJ, then Leighton came back and played well enough to get by Boston. He then dominated vs Montreal to get us to the finals. Neither played well that series. His record isn't outstanding, but it seems when he has been healthy and plays a lot, he is solid. He was an AHL all star last year and factor in that he has worked well with Reese tells me that he is fine to back Bryz up for a small amount of games. I like Bouch but I'd rather have Leighton than Bouch who is coming off hip surgery. - Hextall271
I wouldn't just let Bouch be back up. I'd let them fight for it. I just personally hate Leighton. He's a lousy goalie to me.
If he needs a lot of games to get into a winning way, then i def don't want him as a backup.
Leighton is absolutely capable of being a backup on a contending team. If you're going to make a blanket statement and say period end of story. Explain why you think that?
Boucher probably would have done a better job? That's speculation. He also could have done worse. - MJL
How much worse could he have done? We lost the series.
I have to prove he's not a capable back up? I figured he did that time and time again when he was waived by Chicago, Nashville, Carolina, and the Flyers.
Speculation that he only has 35 wins? I think you just search for arguments. - Flyersgod
Bryzgalov was waived at one point... Is he not an NHL starter? If Leighton is healthy, he can handle the role of backup and the fact that he was able to dominate the A and handle the number 1 duties here in 2010 tells me he can.
I have to prove he's not a capable back up? I figured he did that time and time again when he was waived by Chicago, Nashville, Carolina, and the Flyers.
Speculation that he only has 35 wins? I think you just search for arguments. - Flyersgod
Yes, I would like to hear why you believe he's not a capable NHL backup Goaltender. My proof is that as a backup, he came off the bench in the NHL playoffs, and posted a .916 SV% and a 2.46 GAA. What do you have to offer that he is not a capable NHL backup? Other then period, end of story?
And yes, stating that Boucher probably would have done better is pure speculation.
Bryzgalov was waived at one point... Is he not an NHL starter? If Leighton is healthy, he can handle the role of backup and the fact that he was able to dominate the A and handle the number 1 duties here in 2010 tells me he can. - Hextall271
Bryzgalov was a different story. Different situation.
Dominating the AHL isn't anything that is a big deal. Lots of players dominate at that level and never pan out in the NHL.
We can agree to disagree... really the only way to go unless we wanna rehash all the leighton debate points...
Being a good back up isn't for everyone. I just don't understand the love fest with Leighton.
Dude is lousy. - Flyersgod
Anyone but Leighton? You said he's not a capable backup. He simply isn't lousy. I understand if you blame him for the Cup loss due to the winning goal. But that's happened to Goalies a lot better then Leighton.
Yes, I would like to hear why you believe he's not a capable NHL backup Goaltender. My proof is that as a backup, he came off the bench in the NHL playoffs, and posted a .916 SV% and a 2.46 GAA. What do you have to offer that he is not a capable NHL backup? Other then period, end of story?
And yes, stating that Boucher probably would have done better is pure speculation. - MJL
So you pick a 4 week period of time over a 10 year career to point as evidence?
If i did that you'd have a heart attack complaining about about what you just did.
Why not focus on his career record? 35-40-10-4.
His stats do get better when he plays a lot more games. (save % and gaa). But he isn't going to get a lot of games. in 10 years the guy has 35 wins. Boucher had 35 wins his first season no?
edit: boucher never had a 35 win season.. my fault
Anyone but Leighton? You said he's not a capable backup. He simply isn't lousy. I understand if you blame him for the Cup loss due to the winning goal. But that's happened to Goalies a lot better then Leighton. - MJL
Bryzgalov was a different story. Different situation.
Dominating the AHL isn't anything that is a big deal. Lots of players dominate at that level and never pan out in the NHL.
We can agree to disagree... really the only way to go unless we wanna rehash all the leighton debate points... - Flyersgod
Personally, I am just happy to be debating hockey again. Realistically, my worry is not the backup tender. If Bryz plays well, we'll be fine. I am worried about the D even with Foster. Mesz should take his time coming backand hopefully he can get back to where he was. Regardless, we REALLY need help at the deadline.
So you pick a 4 week period of time over a 10 year career to point as evidence?
If i did that you'd have a heart attack complaining about about what you just did.
Why not focus on his career record? 35-40-10-4.
His stats do get better when he plays a lot more games. (save % and gaa). But he isn't going to get a lot of games. in 10 years the guy has 35 wins. Boucher had 35 wins his first season no? - Flyersgod
Yes, I focus on his ability to play at a solid level when the games mean the most. When the competition is at his highest. Players progress over their careers. Leighton has shown that he is capable of playing goal in the NHL.
What evidence do you have that he is not a capable NHL backup Goalie?
