Michael-Leighton

Chicago Blackhawks‘ 16th year veteran goaltender Michael Leighton(49) set the AHL career record for shutouts recently this season with his 46th through 406 games.

He signed a 1-year 2-way deal with his 1999 draft team (round 6 #165 overall) after his only season away from North America tending the cage for Donbass Donetsk of the KHL putting up outstanding numbers with a 1.74 GAA and .933 SV% in 42 contests.

Reassigned to be the #1 goalie for affiliate Rockford IceHogs he backstopped a good team into the Calder Cup Playoffs.

The 6’3″ 200 lbs. net minder was re-signed to a one-year extension by the parent club and has been doing it again with the farm club. He gets rewarded with his first NHL time since 2012/2013 for Philadelphia Flyers.

Through 2 periods of relief he would back stop 16 of 17 shots putting up phenomenal 1.54 GAA and .941 SV%, which in our minds should give him some more time, especially now with a playoff berth already in hand.

He’s set to become an unrestricted free agent for like the billionth time and will turn 35-years old soon, so it remains to be seen if he gets retained for a third straight year but we’re betting his chances are good.

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Michael Leighton(39) Philadelphia Flyers

Michael-Leighton1

Looks who’s back in net for the Flyers, Michael Leighton(39). We called it on April 4 in our post.

He was summoned to stop the bleeding in game 5 of the series and blocked every shot except for the overtime game-winner. He’s likely to get the start in game 6.

If the Flyers pull back to win the series vs. the Sabres (currently 3-2 Buffalo) he’ll be hailed the Broad Street Playoff messiah.