The Legace signing: What does it mean?
Carolina's emergency signing of Manny Legace to fill in while Cam Ward is out is interesting on a number of levels.
Sure, it's easy to look at a goalie who couldn't make Atlanta's roster and scoff, but he's also a veteran with tons of experience. The Hurricanes need a stable hand at this point as much as they need a quick one. Legace should be able to provide that, at the least.
Most notably, it's an indication that the Hurricanes aren't completely certain Michael Leighton can handle the load while Ward is out. If they were, they could bring up one of their AHL goalies to watch from the bench for the next month (more on that later). The fact that they didn't indicates they want more options. This is unfortunate, because Leighton two years ago played so well in the AHL that it looked like he'd be suited for spot duty at worst in the NHL. But given how few games he has started since he was called up at the beginning of last season, it's hardly Leighton's fault if he's not in prime game shape.
It's also an indication that Ward's injury may have ramifications that last beyond the month or so he may miss. When Ward returned quickly, after less than two weeks, from a less severe version of a similar injury at the end of the 2006-07 season, he was clearly at less than full strength. Even when Ward is cleared to play, he may not be ready to play. Legace gives Carolina some flexibility in that area. They should have learned by now that rushing Ward back from this kind of an injury can be a mistake.
It is not, however, an indication of a lack of faith in either of Carolina's AHL goalies, Justin Peters or Mike Murphy. Both are still young (and let's not forget the development curve for goalies is far longer than any other position), both are still developing and both need more experience in the AHL before they're ready for an extended period of NHL time. Their time will come -- or it won't -- but it certainly isn't now.
Ward's injury could be a killer blow for a team that has almost always tried to save money at the backup goalie position. Kevin Weekes was on top of his game in the fall of 2002 when he was knocked out with a concussion during a cathartic win over Detroit; his injury played a key role in Carolina's fall from grace that season.
About the blogger
Luke has worked for The N&O since 2000. He covered the Carolina Hurricanes and the NHL before becoming a sports columnist in August 2008. A native of Evanston, Ill., he graduated from the University of Pennsylvania. He can be reached at 829-8947 or luke.decock@newsobserver.com.
Comments
olabilir
Thu, 11/12/2009 - 07:23 — cemmIf they are linking from the comment, I would consider it spam. If they post a comment, and it is on topic, be glad someone saw your blog and thought enough to post to it. mirc . chat . http://www.hayda.net/
60 Minutes
Mon, 11/09/2009 - 22:48 — trooper95The way I see it a hockey game is 60 minutes and the Canes should be well rested for the upcoming stretch of games because they have not played a full 60 minute game. If they would maybe the record would be better than what it is and give me a break with the post game comments, uhhhhh we have to do better and play harder, no dahhhhh are you kidding me, play with heart and play 60 minutes and you will see this miserabel dance called the 2009-2010 season get turned around. If not then expect to see or hear more post game comments, uhhhhhh we just have to practice harder, uuhhhhhh, uhhhhhhh.
Go Canes :~)
PS: Justin Peters better luck next time, management knows what is best, I bet anything you would force you way to stop a puck unlike our current back up, I am pulling for you, wish they gave you the chance.
and again Go Canes !!
Why look at just the goaltending?
Mon, 11/09/2009 - 14:33 — Caniac5Leighton did an awesome job against the Blues. He had very little help from the offense and defense. Leighton is a very capable goalie but just needs time to get the gears all oiled up again. It's the management and coaching staff to blame for him being rusty. Now is the time for him to shine and I have all confidence in him to do just that. Legace was a good purchase, don't get me wrong! But Leighton is now our #1 and Legace should be the backup.
Now, if JR can just get us some cheap scorers!!!! The ones we have just can't produce!
And MO MUST GO!!!! Twelve games in a row and nothing is blamed on him? Come on!!!!! The only reason we made it to the playoffs last year is because the coach was fired and the players got nervious. Mo did nothing!!!!
My .02!
i do believe
Mon, 11/09/2009 - 14:33 — esteban1949all of our thoughts, speculation and hopes have all been said sadly more than once already. Personally, I'd hope that the Canes would have called up Peter's and give him a shot this week asa letting him play on Friday against the Islanders and let Leighton handles the Kings on Wednesday, or turn the order around. But we are all fans ...what do we know ?
Thanks Luke...
Go Canes !!
Leighton
Mon, 11/09/2009 - 14:11 — SWFAN24I think this move is all about how Leighton has played. If we had 100% confidence in Leighton there would be no reason for this move. I had complete confidence in Leighton, but he just doesn't have the confidence in himself. We need him to play like he did early last year like Anaheim for example. He just has not had the confidence since last year's game against Philadelphia when they came back on us in the 3rd period. He needs his confidence back because we are going to need him if there is any chance for us to salvage this season.
Legace's Signing
Mon, 11/09/2009 - 14:06 — abramsdougLuke, I heard your comments on NHLnet On the Fly last night and thought they were well-reasoned and well-informed. I appreciate your adding the additional details in your article. It is hard for me to see the move as anything other than a belief by the coaches and management that they cannot risk relying solely on Leighton as a workhorse goalie while Cam Ward is out. I agree it is also a recognition that Cam Ward's return this season will be hard to predict. We all should not forget that it is a crossroads in the careers of both Leighton and Legace. If Leighton wants to play next year for the Hurricanes and probably in the NHL, he will have to rise to the occasion with steady, consistent, reliable goal-keeping. Similary, Legace now has what is likely his final chance to show he is a capable second goalie in the NHL. Whether Leighton was handled perfectly or terribly, the facts on the ice are that he must produce wins now without excuses and without explanations. Unless either or both Leighton and Legace prove it on the ice, this season will be one used as a measuring stick for what can happen when things go wrong on a talented NHL team.
Body Language
Tue, 11/10/2009 - 07:22 — NetMinderLeighton's body language between the pipes says it all. His confidence mirrors the team's — non-existent. If nothing else, Legace is a new face and a refreshing change of pace. Instead of the barrage of postgame cliches the Canes have been firing at us throughout the season, Legace is positive and, yes, even confident that the team can turn this thing around. Considering Leighton's performance so far this year, he's not a reliable backup, much less a starting goalie. Legace needs to be in net against the Kings. If he wins, he stays there and backs up Ward when he returns.
Job of a backup goaltender
Mon, 11/09/2009 - 14:38 — GoShelf"Whether Leighton was handled perfectly or terribly"... It's the nature of the job, backup goaltenders are expected to come in whenever they're asked which is usually short to zero notice basically cold and expected to play as well as the starting goaltender, so it's an incredibly tough job. Simply put, if they don't play well they don't play and typically don't last long at the NHL level. It may sound like an impossible job, but every starting goaltender was a backup at some point or another.
Situation
Mon, 11/09/2009 - 13:51 — GoShelfWhat's interesting is what happens when Ward comes back. Beyond this year neither guy appears to be in the plans, most would think either Peters or Murphy will most likely be the backup next year and Leighton will probably be relegated to the AHL. This sends the message that the Canes have very little confidence in Leighton and if Legace plays well enough (which is a very low bar) he'll be waived and we'll finish the year with Ward & Legace. Leighton's getting what he deserves, when he's had the opportunity to step in he hasn't played well. Had he been solid when he's had the opportunity JR wouldn't of signed Legace. I think what solidified JR's decision had to be the way Leighton played in relief of Ward on Saturday, clearly the 2nd goal was soft and it wouldn't have been that miraculous if he would have made a save on the 1st & 3rd goal. The 1st goal he should have had his stick in the passing lane and the 3rd he was too deep in his net for a guy like Nash. The Canes have given themselves the opportunity to walk away from Leighton, so it's now up to Leighton to prove to mgmt that he deserves his job.
Oh My!
Mon, 11/09/2009 - 13:26 — DelvinBrilliant Management! Brilliant!
Just say no to our other goalies getting a chance.
Yes, it would have been
Mon, 11/09/2009 - 14:19 — SkylinerYes, it would have been nice to give Leighton more of a chance and a few more than the handful of starts he had last year. We really haven't seen a lot of him. Who knows, given the chance he might do quite well....hopefully! It would also be nice to get a glimpse of Justin Peters in a Hurricane uniform.
Right now, as I see it, the Hurricanes only have two players pulling their weight...Jussi Jokinen and Matt Cullen who is great on the kill.
Some of those really good players now struggling like Samsonov and Ruutu, Corvo, Pitkanen will eventually begin to return dividends, but I am so afraid that people like Wallin, Aaron Ward, Alberts and Gleason are simply not going to come through. Their history does not provide a lot of hope. My best wishes are with them, but wishing produces nothing.
And poor Rob Brind'Amour....please, give him a desk job and let him retire gracefully. It must be painful for this once great warrior to be skating around like the Tin Man, so slow, on a stiff leg...age does that to us. But the "Hall" awaits Rod.
I'll continue to go to games; perhaps not with the same level of expectations that I had when the season started, but with a determination to enjoy the sport and to add one small voice to supporting the Hurricanes. The Hurricanes now need fan support more than ever.
Goodness knows there seems to be enough of those little creatures (you know--the first to jump a sinking ship) that always find something about which to complain and raise a loud voice in doing so. Too bad their collective voices do not seem to be as low as their collective IQs.
Competitors such as our coaching staff must be hurting terribly and who among us would want Mr. Rutherford's job just now?
Wishing everyone the best....even those I'd like to see in other uniforms...everyone's just trying to earn a living.
Yes, it would have been
Mon, 11/09/2009 - 14:19 — SkylinerYes, it would have been nice to give Leighton more of a chance and a few more than the handful of starts he had last year. We really haven't seen a lot of him. Who knows, given the chance he might do quite well....hopefully! It would also be nice to get a glimpse of Justin Peters in a Hurricane uniform.
Right now, as I see it, the Hurricanes only have two players pulling their weight...Jussi Jokinen and Matt Cullen who is great on the kill.
Some of those really good players now struggling like Samsonov and Ruutu, Corvo, Pitkanen will eventually begin to return dividends, but I am so afraid that people like Wallin, Aaron Ward, Alberts and Gleason are simply not going to come through. Their history does not provide a lot of hope. My best wishes are with them, but wishing produces nothing.
And poor Rob Brind'Amour....please, give him a desk job and let him retire gracefully. It must be painful for this once great warrior to be skating around like the Tin Man, so slow, on a stiff leg...age does that to us. But the "Hall" awaits Rod.
I'll continue to go to games; perhaps not with the same level of expectations that I had when the season started, but with a determination to enjoy the sport and to add one small voice to supporting the Hurricanes. The Hurricanes now need fan support more than ever.
Goodness knows there seems to be enough of those little creatures (you know--the first to jump a sinking ship) that always find something about which to complain and raise a loud voice in doing so. Too bad their collective voices do not seem to be as low as their collective IQs.
Competitors such as our coaching staff must be hurting terribly and who among us would want Mr. Rutherford's job just now?
Wishing everyone the best....even those I'd like to see in other uniforms...everyone's just trying to earn a living.
We've Already "Fallen from Grace"
Mon, 11/09/2009 - 12:52 — WAStoutUnless our D helps Legace/Leighton out BIG TIME, and we start SCORING GOALS...we will remain fallen angels.
Guess Mo will start having two high forwards now and no D-pinching. This should be a treat to watch.
i agree
Mon, 11/09/2009 - 13:45 — jejohn8our forwards should be thinking about nothing else for the rest of the week until gametime except,
SCORING GOALS ...
SCORING GOALS ...
SCORING GOALS!
wife: honey, please take out the trash.
Player I CAN'T, i am thinking about SCORINGS GOALS!
Go Canes