Philadelphia Flyers: Is Ray Emery About to Go Under the Knife?

Written By: Mark “The Hard Hitter” Ritter

There are whispers coming out of Philadelphia that Flyers goaltender Ray Emery may be facing another surgery. Emery underwent an MRI yesterday on his hip, leading to rumors that he may have a torn labrum.

If this is the case, Emery will likely have to go under the knife. A surgery of this nature is likely to mean Emery would not be expected back in a Flyers uniform until the end of the season.

Emery spent five weeks on the disabled list after undergoing abdominal surgery in December. While there are no reports out there confirming Emery will be going under the knife, it is safe to say that he is damaged goods at this point and is seemingly just a bad tweak away from needing significant time off and/or surgery.

All of this comes at a bad time for the Flyers, who are trying desperately to hold onto the seventh spot in the Eastern Conference.

Emery has not started in three games and, unless the results of the MRI are encouraging, he’s not likely to start anytime soon.

In his absence, Michael Leighton has, once again, done a nice job filling in, giving up just five goals in his past three starts, going 1-2 in the process but seemingly deserving a much better fate.

Leighton has amassed some very impressive numbers with the Flyers this season, going 9-3-1 with a .925 save percentage and a 2.24 goals against average. Despite his success, there are many Flyers fans that believe Leighton has been lucky and do not consider him a long-term solution for the Orange and Black.

There are few goaltenders in the league that have posted as impressive numbers as those of Leighton. His style is a little unpredictable and his puck-handling and rebound control are, at times, questionable, but not unlike Tim Thomas in Boston, Leighton gets the job done and, in the end, that’s what you pay your goalie for—a chance to win.

Trade rumors heated up last month suggesting the Dallas Stars were looking to unload veteran goaltender Marty Turco on the Flyers. Clearly, if Emery does go under the knife, one can expect these and other trade rumors to heat up once again.

Turco is not the only candidate to replace Emery. The Nashville Predators currently employ both Pekka Rinne and Dan Ellis in between the pipes, both of whom are unrestricted free agents at seasons end. Could the Flyers make a pitch for one of Ellis or (although unlikely the Preds would part with him) Rinne?

The New York Islanders also have a bloated crease, with Rick DiPietro, Dwayne Roloson, and Marty Biron all in the fold. Biron is expected to be made available and, given his familiarity with the Flyers, may be another option for the general manager Paul Holmgren to explore.

Holmgren will be hard-pressed to find a goaltender that is more accomplished than Marty Turco via trade. There are far too many teams still in the playoff hunt and, with very few “elite” goaltenders hitting the free agent market next summer, there is not likely going to be a lot of options for the Flyers GM.

With that in mind, it would seem to me that Holmgren will likely ask Leighton to step up if Emery is absent. Flyers coach Peter Laviolette has a reputation for going with the goalie with the hot hand. If Leighton can get on a hot streak he will likely earn coach Laviolette's trust and the coveted starters role in Philly—at least in the short term.

In the long run, the Flyers will need to asses Emery’s injuries and whether or not they will be a threat long-term. The Flyers were apparently looking at signing Emery to an extension, but you’d have to think those plans are on hold, at least for now.

For Flyers fans, goaltending problems are just par for the course. The Flyers have never been able to find the right mix in between the pipes and, if Emery is out long-term, it would appear as if the Flyers penchant for addressing their goaltending needs on the cheap will once again backfire.

Personally, I have faith that Leighton can do a good job. I was a little miffed when he was pulled in favor of Emery so quickly and I think he deserves another shot, regardless of whether Emery is injured or not.

Leighton’s numbers are exceptional. It doesn’t matter if the wins and saves were ugly, Leighton’s efforts brought much needed stability and, most importantly, wins to a club that was struggling mightily in December and the early part of January.

Put him in coach, Leighton’s ready to play...

Until next time,

Peace!