Skip to content
Flyers
Link copied to clipboard

Leighton to start Game 6

Michael Leighton will be the Flyers' starting goalie for Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals tomorrow night at the Wachovia Center.

Although coach Peter Laviolette would not directly answer the question, his answer indicated that it would be Leighton. Leighton has a playoff-best 2.34 goals against average and the second-best save percentage (.918). Leighton is a perfect 6-0 at the Wachovia Center during the playoffs.

"Our goaltender has the best numbers in the playoffs," Laviolette said after the Flyers' 45-minute skate. "I didn't think I had to announce it."

Laviolette followed that by saying: "I don't comment on lineups or goaltenders."

Leighton was pulled for the second time in the finals at the start of the second period Sunday with the Flyers trailing 3-0 in an eventual 7-4 loss. He gave up three goals on 13 shots. Brian Boucher finished the game for the Flyers, allowing three goals on 14 shots.

Boucher's numbers aren't as solid: 2.47 goals against average, .909 save percentage.

"I'm very confident in Michael," Laviolette said. "He's played excellent in the playoffs. His home numbers are terrific. I'm very confident in Michael."

Leighton was not available to speak after Laviolette's news conference, citing the fact that Laviolette had not officially annoucned Wednesday night's starter.

It's too bad the not-surprising secret is out of the bag.

For the latest updates, follow Frank Seravalli on Twitter (http://twitter.com/DNFlyers).