Leighton returns to Flyers practice

RALEIGH, N.C. - Goalie Michael Leighton, the onetime journeyman who helped the Flyers reach the Stanley Cup Finals last season, continues to make strides and may be ready to return to action in less than two weeks.

Leighton and spare defenseman Matt Walker returned to practice Wednesday for the first time since their respective surgeries.

"It's just a matter of getting stronger and getting my game back," said Leighton, who said he would visit a doctor late next week and "we'll see what he has to say and go from there."

Leighton, who was practicing on his own recently, underwent back surgery Oct. 11 to repair a herniated disk. He was expected to miss six to eight weeks. The goalie, his T-shirt drenched in sweat after practice at the RBC Center, would not give a timetable for his return to action, but he called the workout "a step in the right direction."

He said his back was "feeling good."

Based on his progress, Leighton could be ready to play in the Nov. 22 game against Montreal.

Then again, it remains to be seen how much playing time Leighton will receive, because his replacement, Sergei Bobrovsky, has been outstanding. Bobrovsky is among the NHL leaders in wins (eight), goals-against average (2.19), and save percentage (.926).

When Leighton is able to return, the Flyers could try to sneak Brian Boucher through waivers and send him to the Phantoms in the AHL.

Walker had right-hip surgery on Oct. 20 and was projected to miss 10 to 12 weeks. He could be back sooner, though he is listed as the Flyers' seventh or eighth defenseman.

After a two-day break that included golfing on an elite Pinehurst course and eating meals together, the Flyers (9-4-2) returned to the rink Wednesday to prepare for Thursday's game against Carolina (8-7).

"The guys got away and didn't have to think about hockey," coach Peter Laviolette said.

Unofficially, Danny Briere had the lowest score Tuesday, shooting an 82.

Laviolette hopes the mini-break helps the Flyers continue their surge. They are 6-0-1 in their last seven games and have moved to the top of the Atlantic Division.

"I think we needed the rest because we finished six games in 10 nights, so to catch two days off, away from the ice, that's a good thing," Laviolette said. "You don't get a lot of time to do what we just did, and I feel it's incredibly important to building success. It doesn't guarantee it, but for me it was time well-spent."

Carolina, Laviolette's former team, is coming off a 7-1 win over Edmonton. The Hurricanes, who are led by 18-year-old wunderkind Jeff Skinner, dropped a 3-2 decision to the host Flyers on Nov. 1 as Scott Hartnell scored a pair of goals.

Hail, Brindy. When the Flyers play here Feb. 18, Rod Brind'Amour's Carolina jersey will be retired. Brind'Amour, of course, also starred for the Flyers before becoming captain of the 'Canes and helping lead them to the 2006 Stanley Cup. Laviolette, who is extremely close to Brind'Amour, coached that Carolina team.

"For me to be with the Flyers now, and Rod having played in both organizations, I feel lucky to be in the building that night," Laviolette said. ". . . I have a lot of respect for Rod Brind'Amour."