The ones that no one wanted:

It is down to the final four in the NHL Playoffs, and one thing that is apparent is that we have seen the spotlight shine down on goaltenders. Whether it be Halak for Montreal taking over games, or the surprise play of Michael Leighton of the Flyers, these goaltenders have come from the bottom to take the spotlight.

Jaroslav Halak has taken over these playoffs. He has had a few bumps in the road including his Game 1 loss to Philadelphia, however for the most part he has been superb in net for the Canadiens. He has shut down the likes of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Alexander Ovechkin. He has given us the pleasure to understand what it means to be cool under pressure. In fact, Halak has been even better in games in which he faces more than 40 shots having won almost every game in which this occurs. Halak hopes that his valiant effort will establish his position as the Canadiens #1 net minder by supplanting Carey Price and ending this year after year battle. In my opinion, no goalie in recent years has played this well in the playoffs so in case Montreal’s management has not figured it out yet this guy can play and should be locked up long term. Too bad for Carey Price, a former 1st round draft pick, as both goalies will be restricted free agents this offseason. It is highly unlikely Montreal can sign both, so goodbye Mr. Price.

Across the ice is another goalie who has emerged in these playoffs...the name is Michael Leighton..who?

Michael Leighton of the Philadelphia Flyers is a goaltender who up until now no one really wanted. He has started 112 NHL games, but has bounced around from team to team and promotions and demotions to the minor leagues. Leighton did not even start the playoffs as the Flyers’ #1 goaltender, he got called in when Brian Boucher went down with an injury. Since then he has been stellar, having a 3-0 record, a 1.11 goals-against and a .959 save percentage. That is not what a team usually gets from a backup. The Flyers have been extremely lucky and so has Leighton given that he has been brought into the spotlight and has been able to demonstrate his skill. Leighton hopes that demonstrating he can play will lead to a new contract and an established position in Philly’s line-up. After his shutout in game 1 against Montreal he hopes his great play will continue towards the Stanley Cup. We will have to see if this hot streak continues. Only time will tell, so get your tickets now to the Eastern Conference Finals. Remember, FanXchange has all of your NHL Playoff Tickets so get them now!
Team FanX