Playoff Update

Brian Boucher(R) prepares to replace Sergei Bobrovsky(L) earlier this season as he will take over for the Flyers tonight (December 19, 2010 - Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images North America)

The goalie issue in Philadelphia continues………Due to Sergei Bobrovsky’s poor play in game two of the playoffs (3 goals on 7 shots in 12:30 minutes) he will not start tonight.  And it’s suspected  "Bobs" will watch the game from the stands tonight, I didn’t think his leash was that short, and Michael Leighton will dress as the backup tonight as well.  The Flyers are going to start Brian Boucher.  He deserves to start after salvaging a win out of game 2.  He also has the experience and will hopefully create some stability in net for the Flyers. 

So after watching parts of the first few games of the first round I am impressed with Jimmy Howard and Pekka Rinne.  These guys, even though they have not been challenged all game each game, they have come up big for their teams.  Also I’m starting to question Roberto Luongo after posting a shutout in the first game of the series.

I’m not impressed with Tim Thomas either….he should be playing at a much higher level, granted he isn’t getting the best help from his teammates.   But as this article suggests his rebound control is not that great right now, I agree, and that has led to a few timely goals for the Canadians….

Flyers Playoff Goalie?

Michael Leighton (December 29, 2010 - Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images North America)

What the hell is going on in Philly.  Michael Leighton is on waivers…this article suggest the Flyers might be trying to dump salary or only for “playoff depth,” but I doubt that.  Leighton is really on wavers because the Flyers are questioning their goalie situation at the moment.   I still think Sergei Bobrovsky is going to start in net in the playoffs for the Flyers…if they can turn their recent questionable play around….then again, this guy just let in 4 goals against the crappy Senators tonight.  Brian Boucher has not looked great either as of late.  Now the Flyers are on a 4 game losing streak and have lost 5 of the last 6. 

The Flyers are making the right move by placing Michael Leighton on waivers.  Once Leighton clears, the Flyers have nothing to lose and potentially something to gain if they call him up.  It does not matter that he spent most of the season in the AHL.  He is going to motivate Bobrovsky and Boucher to work their asses off to make sure they are the ones dressing and playing in the playoffs. 

Don’t be surprised if Leighton starts on Friday in Buffalo.  Leighton is coming off back to back shutouts for the Adirondack Phantoms and it probably feeling really confident right now.  I definitely believe Michael Leighton has the ability and the playoff experience to right the Flyers ship and help them move in the right direction; if he is given the opportunity.

Bobs or Bust?

Sergei Bobrovsky (February 2, 2011 - Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images North America)

The Flyers are looking solid in their run toward the playoffs and their goalies are, in part, to thank for that.  Sergei Bobrovsky and Brian Boucher have been solid for the Flyers this year.  The NHL posted a story on their play as a tandem in February and there are a few words from Boucher and the teams goalie coach Jeff Reese on the situation.  The current question the Flyers are faced with is who the go to goalie in the playoffs will be?  This article offers some valid points in favor of both goalies.

Brian Boucher has the veteran experience and was able to beat the Devils in the first round last year before being injured.  Even with his experience, I think Sergei Bobrovsky is going to get the nod come the first round of the playoffs.  He was relatively unknown until this (his rookie) year and he has been outstanding.  He would probably be competing in the AHL with Johan Backlund right now if Michael Leighton had not been injured.  Bobs numbers this season have been exceptional for a rookie and I think he has managed to outplay Boosh this season.  His poise and abilities will ultimately lead Peter Laviolette to choose him to start the playoffs, in my opinion.  Will Bobs handle the pressure of the playoffs and become this year’s Antti Niemi?  We shall have to wait and see.  I agree with Sam Carchidi in that Bobs is going to probably be the starter and Boucher will be there to take over if he stumbles at all.  And don’t forget that last year’s playoff hero (or sieve) Michael Leighton is in Adirondack waiting for another opportunity in the NHL and he has proved that he can play in the Stanley Cup Finals.

Brian Boucher (December 19, 2010 - Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images North America)