You Talkin' to Me? Tough times for the 'tender

From: Gonzalez, John

To: Fox, Ashley; Parent, Bernie

Subject: Leighton

The first game of the Stanley Cup Finals was interesting, though it's doubtful the Flyers or Michael Leighton saw it that way, given the end result.

What did you think about the decision to yank Leighton after he surrendered the fifth goal? And, as a more pressing matter, which Flyers goalie would you start in Game 2?

From: Parent, Bernie

To: Fox, Ashley; Gonzalez, John

Subject: Leighton

Hey, the boys played well Saturday night. Came up short but played well. Leighton had one of those nights when you go right, but the shot goes left. I know how he felt. I've had those nights before, and he will come back just as good as he was in the playoffs.

The first game pressure is off. My guess is they will go back to Leighton.

From: Gonzalez, John

To: Fox, Ashley; Parent, Bernie

Subject: Leighton

Agreed. I think the right move is to go back to Leighton. He was terrific against Montreal and Boston and deserves another shot.

I was a little surprised Laviolette yanked him in the first place. I know he gave up a ton of goals, but so did the Blackhawks. It was still anyone's game when the Flyers made the switch.

Bernie, as a goalie, how would you deal with games like that, to forget about them and move on? Beers? The Three Stooges? Some other coping technique?

From: Parent, Bernie

To: Fox, Ashley; Gonzalez, John

Subject: Leighton

You would think it would be tough to move on. But it's not. If I thought I was going to stop every shot that was put on net I would be fooling myself. Leighton has a system, and he will focus on getting back in the groove.

From: Fox, Ashley

To: Parent, Bernie; Gonzalez, John

Subject: Leighton

I was surprised Laviolette yanked Leighton. The Blackhawks didn't panic. I thought it sent the wrong message, but Laviolette has been pushing all the right buttons for the last month, so he gets a pass.

I'd definitely go back to Leighton. Stick with the guy who got you there.

From: Parent, Bernie

To: Fox, Ashley; Gonzalez, John

Subject: Leighton

The secret is to stop more pucks. LOL. Look at it this way: Halladay got pulled the other night after giving up six and came back out to pitch a perfect game.  Leighton will be ready. This kid is good. You watch: He'll be back to his game on Monday night.