Flying into Pittsburgh the day of the Penguins game didn't seem to faze many of the Canes players. They'll just eat, rest, go to the arena and play.
But goalies can be a different breed. And Michael Leighton, who should start tonight in goal for the Canes, admits to being a creature of habit.
"I'm a little different," he said. "I don't like afternoon games. I don't like early games. Seven or 7:30 is fine with me, because I do the same thing the night before and the same thing the day of. Any change in schedule usually is not OK with me, but ...
Leighton prefers to look at the plus side: an extra night at home meant another night with his wife, Jennifer, and daughter, Ella.
"I think that's the road they're going," Leighton said of the travel change and the end of pregame skates. "Hopefully it works out and we get a win and that will be it."
Leighton was the winner in the Canes' last game, the 3-1 victory in Anaheim on Sunday, notching 32 saves. He smiled when asked about a sequence in the third period when the Canes led 2-1 and the puck sat near the goal line for a couple of seconds before Leighton was able to pounce on it.
"I didn't even know where it was," he said. "I stopped the first shot and it kind of hit him and he took a whack at it and I took a whack at him. Then it kind of went over my shoulder and hit the post and went behind me.
"I heard the crowd going crazy and at first I thought it went into the net. I looked behind me to see if it was in the net. Sure enough, it was right behind me on the goal line. That was a lucky bounce."
Leighton noted the Ducks threw a lot of shots at him and had a lot of traffic in front of him.
"I think we'll see the same with Pittsburgh," he said. "They shoot the puck a lot. They obviously have guys who can tip and dig in front of the net. We'll have to do the same thing we did last game."
A Raleigh native, Chip has worked at the N&O since 1979 and is the Canes beat writer. He can be reached at 
Comments
...Leighton had better play
Thu, 10/23/2008 - 15:15 — Anonymous (not verified)...Leighton had better play well tonight... I'm just not liking this... however, regardless of what happens tonight, please canes, play Cam on Saturday!
Cam
Thu, 10/23/2008 - 15:41 — Anonymous (not verified)Cam was great for us in the playoffs, but has been mediocre since. The issues on the blue line were undeniable, so he gets a free pass, but that was the focus this off season. Through 3 starts this season, Cam has faced 92 shots and turned away 82. That is 10 GA in 3 games, or 3.3 GAA. His save % is .891.
For comparison's sake, Leighton has started two games, faced 62 shots, and turned away 58. 4 GAA, 1.92 GAA, save % .935.
The Canes are giving up an avg of about 31 shots per game. So they have had about the same amount of work.
I am not condemning Cam Ward, especially based on such a small sample, but lets not stick our heads in the sand. Goaltending could be an issue this year, as in which goalie do we go with. If Leighton plays well tonight again......I think he without a doubt should start Saturday.
I think Leighton doing well
Thu, 10/23/2008 - 17:53 — James_I think Leighton doing well and holding the starting position can only be good for Cam as the season goes on. He's always determined and stands on his head after returning from a benching because he wants to prove he is the best for the job. That was the problem with John Grahame, Ward never had to worry about losing his starting job with him.
I think anyone would agree Ward has more potential than Leighton. This competition for the starting job can only help him, Leighton, and ultimately our team. And I'm confident that Ward will win it and improve his numbers this year.
Hey Chip
Thu, 10/23/2008 - 14:15 — esteban1949personally...I'd ask all the players families...and see what they think !! thanks for the info..
Go Canes !