Here. In Chicago.
Here in Chicago, where the Flyers have twice gotten caught up in freewheeling, high-scoring games of the kind they simply can't afford to play against the Blackhawks. Here in Chicago, where twice in three games Peter Laviolette has been forced to pull his starting goaltender.
After Game 1, which the Flyers lost 6-5, it seemed automatic that Laviolette would come back with Michael Leighton in Game 2. The Flyers' defense was awful that night. Leighton's crime was being less than great in the face of the onslaught. Sure enough, Leighton returned to the net and was very good.
This time, it's a little less certain. Leighton looked strong early in a first-period feeding frenzy, then he fell apart. None of the three goals he allowed resulted from especially impressive Chicago plays.
Leighton gave Brent Seabrook a huge target on the first goal. The second was simply a mental lapse by the goalie. He failed to seal off the post and allowed Dave Bolland to bank the puck in off the back of his skate. The third, by Kris Versteeg, was a shot in the high slot that simply has to be stopped in the Stanley Cup Finals.
Laviolette clearly felt the same way. Brian Boucher came into the game to start the second period.
It's a tough call. Leighton has played well after poor games throughout the postseason. He is also undefeated at home. Boucher was in goal for the Flyers' lone loss at the Wachovia Center, to Boston, but he played fairly well.
Boucher had an opportunity to make a case for himself, to convince Laviolette to let him play a game from the opening face-off. He didn't exactly succeed, surrendering three goals - including a back-breaker on a clean shot by Patrick Sharp in the third period.
