Canadiens at Flyers, Game 2

Looking ahead to Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals Tuesday between the seventh-seeded Flyers and eighth-seeded Canadiens at the Wachovia Center.

The Traveling Man

If he continues his strong play in the conference finals, Flyers goalie Michael Leighton will finally change his description: career journeyman.

Since 2005, he has been the Traveling Man, going from organization to organization. From Chicago to Buffalo to Anaheim to Nashville to the Flyers to Montreal to Carolina and back to the Flyers.

Leighton, an unrestricted free agent after the season, blanked Montreal, 6-0, on Sunday. His stock is rising. Rapidly.

He is hoping to stay in Philly, hoping his traveling days are over, hoping he no longer has to go back to the minors and prove himself again.

"Obviously, my goal is to play in the NHL. It's not to play in the AHL or go to Russia," Leighton said on Monday. "My job is to do my best and try to stay in the NHL. That's my dream, so I'm living it right now. I obviously want to stay here. I'd rather play another 10 years here than go down and play in the minors for another 10 years."

Added Leighton: "I'm just trying to stay positive and work at my dream. You know, I'm turning 29 soon and not getting any younger, but goalies they say develop as they get older. So I'm hoping that's true with me, and I just keep getting better."

Creative fans

Among the most amazing performances in Game 1 was the sing-song chant - delivered by the Wachovia Center fans in stunning harmony - after shelled Montreal goalie Jaroslav Halak was removed during the second period.

"Ole. Ole-ole-ole . . . ole . . . ole."

The fans, of course, were mocking Montreal fans' signature chant.

"That was funny," Flyers rookie left winger James van Riemsdyk said with a smile. "Philly fans are definitely ruthless."

He said it with admiration.

In Monday's edition of the National Post, writer Bruce Arthur called the Flyers' faithful ruthless.

He didn't write it with admiration.

Wrote Arthur: "Obviously, hockey fans are different in Philadelphia. They are a savage lot, untamed and profane, all spittle and invective and baying for blood."

Ouch.

Streaking

The Flyers have won five straight playoff games for the first time since 1995, when they put together six consecutive victories - two against Buffalo and the four against the New York Rangers.

The Flyers' record for consecutive playoff wins is eight, starting with the sixth game of the 1974 Stanley Cup Finals and extending for seven victories in the 1975 playoffs.

To equal that record, the Flyers would have to sweep the Habs.

Revived Hartnell

Scott Hartnell is making amends for a disappointing 14-goal regular season.

In his last five games (all wins), Hartnell has three goals, three assists and is plus-8.

"Scott's a good player. We saw him at his best last year," said general manager Paul Holmgren, referring to the winger's 30-goal season. "He had a difficult year; he had some personal issues he was going through. I think he's probably in the best shape he's been in his life now, and he's got a lot of confidence with the puck. He's playing like he needs to play."

The line of Hartnell, Danny Briere, and Ville Leino has been the Flyers' best unit recently.

- Sam Carchidi

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