Leighton lauds Bryz; Laughton getting shot
Flyers goalie Ilya Bryzgalov has a big fan. His name is Michael Leighton, the guy who is Bryzgalov's backup
Leighton lauds Bryz; Laughton getting shot
Sam Carchidi, Inquirer Staff Writer
Flyers goalie Ilya Bryzgalov has a big fan. His name is Michael Leighton, the guy who is Bryzgalov’s backup.
Leighton, who had a solid season with the AHL Phantoms in 2011-12, said Bryzgalov “showed he can be one of the best goalies in the league” during a hot spell late in last year’s regular season.
The goalies were together in Anaheim’s training camp in 2006 and developed a good rapport.
“I know what kind of guy he is,” said Leighton, who is returning for yet another tour with the Flyers. “I know we’re going to get along good….We’re going to have fun together.”
Leighton, who was both the hero and goat of the Flyers’ remarkable playoff run in 2010 _ they lost to Chicago in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals _ said he enjoys Bryzgalov’s personality. That said, Leighton has no plans to do any astronaut training.
“No, I’ll stay on planet Earth,” he cracked, smiling.
Physicals. Many of the Flyers have agreed to voluntarily have physicals performed Saturday so the team can get on the ice for the opening of a six-day training camp Sunday in Voorhees, where it has the ice from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Camp is open to the public and free..
Laughton watch. One of the most interesting developments in camp is whether center Scott Laughton earns a spot on the team. Laughton, 18, the team’s No. 1 pick in June, appears to have a decent chance to start the season with the team because of Danny Briere’s wrist injury.
Laughton, who had 32 points (13 goals) for Oshawa in the OHL this season, would be allowed to play in five games before a decision would have to be made on whether to keep him or send him back to juniors.
Stay tuned.
Foster interest. The Flyers have interest in UFA defenseman Kurtis Foster, a 6-foot-5, 226-pounder who, while with the Devils, scored two power-play goals against them in a regular-season game last season. He would give the team a rocket shot from the point.
Contact Sam Carchidi at scarchidi@phillynews.com. Follow on Twitter @BroadStBull.
Foster is a big guy, and had 42 points in the 09-10 campaign. I'd have concerns about his consistency and speed.— sobjoe24- I definitely have concerns about our overall speed on defense in general and this guy certainly wouldn't help that, but it seems like Homer is going for those "clear the porch" type guys and i don't really blame him either. If we aren't gonna be fast, we might as well be really physical. A big problem last year was keeping people away from Bryz, as it flustered him badly when he felt under sieged. New Rule: Anyone who comes close to our space cadet gets decked... and hard. I think this absolutely must be a point of emphasis this year, gotta believe this would really help Bryz feel more comfortable between the pipes, and give him a sense the boys have his back. — Stephen45
- Foster? Really? How many third-pairing D does one team need?— e.p.r.
Comment removed.- Wow. This post just keeps getting funnier and funnier by the day.
Hey dbag: soccer is the sport of the future, and always will be.— 1980 - foster should be a great add on to the power play and good guy to take a shot on offensive zone face off wins. leighton and bryz are a great combo if healthy. flyers offense should be enough to get them into the playoffs, if bryz earns his money this year they could upset pit or ny. but if bryz starts letting in 4 goals a game..... well theres always next year.— bluefish
- Bryz's 5 hole is HUMANGUS BIG!— Times Yours
- Drop it with the humongous big comments already. It's beyond old.— Fly Guy
- Seriously. Our forwards look like the modern NHL. And our defense once again looks like 1980. I'm waiting for Hatcher, Jim Kyte, and Kordic to show up next. They are going to get deeked by all of these new AHL speedsters as the seson progresses. Funny that MAB and Gufty might be the best choices IF they get healthy.— MichaelZoe
