Brian Boucher Practices: Should He Replace Michael Leighton?

Mark RitterMay 26, 2010

When the playoffs commenced, the Philadelphia Flyers looked to be in tough with Brian Boucher as their starter.

Low and behold, Boucher came out flying in round one, back stopping the Flyers to a round one win over Martin Brodeur and the New Jersey Devils—looking every bit like a Stanley Cup goaltender in the process.

Unfortunately for Boucher, the ligaments in both of his knees were injured in round two against the Boston Bruins, forcing him to the sidelines, and in many people’s minds, ending his Stanley Cup run.

Wednesday, Boucher surprised us all by participating in his first full practice with little to no complications.

As is the case with all NHL players, Boucher is chomping at the bit to dress for game one of the Flyers-Blackhawks series. Make no mistake about it—Boucher will not be replacing Leighton between the pipes—that is unless Leighton is injured and/or Leighton can’t stop a beach ball.

Boucher, who was the hero in the Flyers' playoff clinching shootout win against the New York Rangers in the Flyers final regular season game, went 6-4 in ten playoff games this season.

Boucher was playing well before he went down. That said, Boucher’s record pales in comparison to Leighton’s league leading 6-1 record, three shut outs, .948 save percentage and minuscule 1.59 goals against average.

Is Boucher 100 percent? No. In fact, it will be an accomplishment if Boucher is healthy enough to dress for game one of the Stanley Cup Finals—given the importance of the backup role this time of year—you just cannot take any chances, therefore, Boucher's return is no certainty at this point.

Besides, Leighton has all the momentum right now, and in all fairness to Boucher, Leighton had a better regular season than Boucher did and is having one of the best playoff runs in recent memory (statistically).

Would it be nice to see Boucher dress for the Stanley Cup Finals? Absolutely! Would it be nice to see him in the Flyers' crease? Probably not, as that would likely mean that Michael Leighton and the Flyers were in big trouble.

Flyers fans can rejoice that their beloved Brian "Bouche" Boucher may be back in uniform before long; he will not be the starter though.

*****For more NHL Playoff news and notes check pout my website at