You Talkin' to Me? Leighton the right call by Laviolette

From: Gonzalez, John

To: Fox, Ashley; Parent, Bernie

Subject: Game 6 goalie

In a shocking development, when asked after Game 5, Peter Laviolette declined to reveal who would start in goal on Wednesday night. Since then, he has said Michael Leighton will get the nod. It couldn't have been an easy decision. Leighton had a tough outing in Chicago, and Brian Boucher has been just OK in spot duty since returning from an injury.

Is Laviolette making the right move by starting Leighton in Game 6?

From: Parent, Bernie

To: Fox, Ashley; Gonzalez, John

Subject: Game 6 goalie

The team has always responded well coming off a loss, and I believe they're going to come out strong and perform in Game 6.  They have great leadership on this team that will lead them to a full 60-minute effort that will result in a victory, forcing a Game 7.

I am going to leave the tough calls to Laviolette. He has gotten the team this far.

From: Gonzalez, John

To: Fox, Ashley; Parent, Bernie

Subject: Game 6 goalie

I'll go with Leighton. At this point, you might as well start the guy who's been your primary goalie over the last two series. Unless Laviolette knows Boucher is in a better place and gives them the best chance to win, I think you have to stick with the guy who got you to Game 6 (even though Game 5 wasn't so hot).

From: Fox, Ashley

To: Gonzalez, John; Parent, Bernie

Subject: Game 6 goalie

I'd go back to Leighton, too, but you've got to think he's on a short leash. Leighton's got to know that. I wonder what kind of impact that will have on him, if any. Huge game. Huge consequences. It'll be interesting to see how he - and the rest of the team - responds.