Monday debate: backing up Ward

I expect the Canes to waive Leighton (maybe they already have according to AD). If no one picks him up, then I think Legace will be reassigned to Albany as a money-saving move. Initially, that move would just be to buy time and see how well Cam Ward comes back from his injury. If Ward is able to play 19 out of every 20 games, it doesn't matter who the back up is. Legace would still be in the organization and available for a call up in case Cam Ward got hurt again. If Ward isn't able to play as much as he usually does right away, then the Canes will have a more difficult decision to make. I think they will want Legace to be the back up in that case so they will have to figure out what to do with Leighton. Ideally, trade him for a prospect. If that doesn't work, buy out his contract.

Leighton: 1-win 4-losses, 4.29 GAA, .848 Save %
Legace: 3-wins, 4-losses, 3.20 GAA, .894 Save %

Michael Leighton has never proven that he can do the job between the pipes. Manny Legace, while older, has a ton more experience, and would be a good mentor for Cam, to help him through the times when he struggles. It's a no-brainer to me, it's got to be Legace.

Based on what I've seen out of Leighton and Legace, I would go with Legace. The players in front of him seem to have more confidence in him and, save for that little episode in the Caps game, he's better fundamentally. The game against Vancouver was Legace's best so far. The first goal was soft, but he made many good/great saves early on to keep the 'Canes in the game and made several more saves to preserve the lead. The other two goals weren't his fault.

Legace. If there is interest in either Legace or Leighton prior to the trade deadline, trade him and give Peters a try-out at the end of the season.

although very reasonable arguments exist either way, my belief is that the coaches and management have more faith in Legace than in Leighton. With Peters and Murphy showing signs that eventually they can serve as credible back-ups to Ward, I think Leighton is going to be the one who is put on waivers. Who knows, maybe Laviolette will want Leighton in Philly.

I understand we're a small market and newspaper budgets have been cut back. And, Chip does a good job "reporting." But what about editorializing? Does the N&O fear the Canes if a bad word was written about them?

Is the N&O afraid they're going to get locked out of the locker room? Rarely do we hear from Luke anymore or any of the others.
If this was a major market, even as far north as Philly, there would be articles abound, dissecting this team, and even ... yes, dissecting the financial future of this team.

During this lousy season, I don't think there's been on article that talks about the team's performance. But for the N&O, it's "just the facts."
The operation of the Canes is one big secret...and there's a hell of a lot of skeletons in the closet, just waiting to be uncovered ... if you've got the courage to do so.