I have to agree on Leighton’s untestedness, but as someone pointed out in another thread (and sorry for repeating, but it is kind of funny to read it), Sam did have this to say after that game back in March:

I don’t know if Michael Leighton can keep up this standard, but if he can the Flyers are an intriguing team to watch. They’re one of two teams in the East that can skate with the Caps, and they can go the other way too if they need to. No one will fancy catching them in the playoffs.

So, has he kept this up? And can he keep doing so? Lest we take his inevitable regression to his mean for granted (just let it happen early in this series, to save our hearts and livers).

That is, if the Hawks pressure the puck all over the ice the way they did in game 2 against the Sharks, I expect Leighton will see a LOT of shots coming his way. If the Hawks sit back or let the Flyers clog up the attack, then it will come down to who can score some ugly goals.

Either way, I think the Hawks dictate this series. Our top lines putting on a puck possession show or our checking lines banging in some goals—the Hawks have shown an ability to win in whatever way the other team is playing. If we come out flying, I think we win going away. If we come out NOT flying, then it’s up in the air. Leighton’s shutouts aren’t scaring me much—but the defense in front of him is.

Hockey gods

has a very short article up with a few pics of Bobby Hull in front of the AIC. Chicago residents might already know this … I can’t see the lions from Nova Scotia and didn’t know.

linkity link

I actually attended the Hawks/Flyers game in March. What a horrible fucking day to wearing my Hawks jersey. I will admit that it was one of the most exciting and entertaining games I’ve ever seen in person (despite the low score through most of the game). The 3rd period was rediculous and of course I had to poor it on when the Hawks went up 2-1. Boy did that come back to bite me in the ass. You all know what happened over teh last couple minutes and even the last couple seconds. Fortunately for me it was an early start and kids day so the douchebaggery was at a minimum.

just so that I can reply to this fanpost

As you read through this fanpost you’ll notice not only rampant homerism, but more apples to oranges comparisons than I even have time to rip on. The dude just picks out players for each team that he thinks are similar, says he likes the flyers player(s) better in each instance, and uses this for his “analysis”. C’mon man!, at least matchup the lines and do a comparison that way (although I have no idea where he got that line configuration).

I understand that an opposing fan may not have the knowledge of the hawks that we do, but to dress this up as his analysis of the series is ridiculous.

I don’t know if it’s lack of respect or not, but I find it quite humorous.

What does the Book say about Leighton’s stick, his glove, going top shelf, his puck handling, does he go down early, breakaways?

ESPN called Toews-Kane-Byfuglien “the NHL’s hottest line”. Recent recipients of this kiss of death include Marleau-Thornton-Pylon & Sedin-Sedin-WhoCares. Suddenly I’m feeling rather queasy.

The North American hockey press has jumped on the “journeyman Michael Leighton” story and how he’s standing on his head, etc. etc. Don’t believe it.

Leighton has been a solid goaltender in almost every game this season. Nobody knows this because nobody watched the Flyers during the regular season (why would they, they were horrible).

He was given an opportunity because of the injuries. He seems to work well with the Flyers goalie coach. He’s just one of those late bloomers.

He has elevated his game for the playoffs in a way that you would expect for any goalie. He stole Game 2 against Montreal, but the bailed him out in Game 7 against Boston. He had an important 30 minutes in Game 6 of that series and he has played well, but when you recall the insane work Halak did in the first two rounds – where you’re just shaking your head over and again – there is no comparison.

If Leighton actually does start playing unconscious it could be the neutralizer the Flyers need to overcome the numerous minor advantages that Chicago has. He could win them the Cup. On the other hand his play could falter, as could Niemi’s. You never know with most goalies.

In addition to the lateral movement issue raised here, he also does something that I can’t make any sense of. When he drops to the ice a lot of times he has his pads more or less tucked under him rather than extended to the sides in a true butterfly. I would think if you make hard shots along the ice aimed at sticks in the slot you could take advantage of low re-directions.