Friday, May 20, 2011
Posted: 10:30 a.m.
By Tim Panaccio
CSNPhilly.com
Part three of three on the Flyers' off-season and looking ahead to 2011-12.
The carousel stops.
Thats what Flyers chairman Ed Snider said recently in multiple interviews. No more goalie du jour or rotating guys every four goals against, etc.
No one knows who the Flyers next No. 1 will be in September. But heres a recap of what they had this year.
Johan Backlund
Age next season: 30
Cap hit: 800,000
NHL
Teammates and the organization really like his spirit and demeanor. He has had two tough seasons with injuries that have hurt his development within the system. Training camp is a make-or-break time for the Swede, given those ahead of him.
Sergei Bobrovsky
Age next season: 23
Cap hit: 1.75
Bob had a very good rookie season with 28 wins, a 2.59 goals against average and .915 save percentage. He started out like a comet, then literally tailed off as clubs began to figure him out. Not unusual for any first-year player, especially one from Russia who had never played so many games in net. He needs to continue working with goalie coach Jeff Reese and has a chance to cement his future No. 1 status next season in the shadow of someone else.
Brian Boucher
Age next season: turns 35
Cap hit: UFA
In many ways, he is the Sean ODonnell inside the net. A solid, good person and personable athlete, who can talk on any level and had a meaningful, productive season (2.42, .916). Smack in the middle of a difficult rotation, yet handled it with class, as you would expect from Boosh. His poor playoff will cost him as Flyers seek a goalie via trade or free agency. Uncertain where he ends up.
Michael Leighton
Age next season: turns 31
Cap hit: 1.55
Hes been through a lot and has had multiple surgeries since joining the club. While Leighton posted good numbers with the Phantoms, he wasnt very helpful in limited playoff activity with the Flyers. Will be given the chance to unseat Bob in camp, but its not likely to happen.
E-mail Tim Panaccio at tpanotch@comcast.net
Related: Figuring out the Flyers: DefenseFiguring out the Flyers: Forwards