Pokechick gleefully pointed out that we here at G5H shun the Philadelphia Flyers and all of their affiliates. It's true. For the most part I can't stand the Flyers, but their is something about a goalie in orange pads that warms my heart (see Zane Kalemba).
So without further ado, this weeks DGM is......... Michael Leighton.
Leighton was not on the casual hockey fans radar until the 2009-2010 playoffs where Leighton proved clutch for the Flyers.
This year he has spent most of the regular season playing in the AHL for the Adirondack Phantoms. Over 30 games with the Phantoms Leighton posted a respectable 2.22 GAA and a .926 SV% and looked mighty fine doing it.
Leighton has once again joined the Philadelphia Flyers for a playoff run.
I've admitted my love for minor league journeymen before. One of my favorites? Todd Ford. Seriously, check out his stats. Dude has been around more than a puck bunny with daddy issues (oooooh, too far?).
I've been watching him come through for a couple of seasons now and I have to say he nice to watch. Aside from really filling up the crease...
mmmmmmmm...biggoalie...mmmmmmmm....
... uh, yeah... where was I? Oh, yeah, dude fills up the crease. Right. Uh, he also has some bad ass tatste in music if his mask is any indication.
I just can't help but adore a man who appreciates Johnny Cash.
Add to that his penchant for coming out of the crease and its true goalie-love.
I don't think there is really anything left to say, so, I will leave you with this hilarious video of Ford and his Stingray teammates taking on a local Boys and Girls club in a rousing game of dodgeball.
Stanley Cup Playoff's are in full swing and as we watch the first-round match ups, it comes as no surprise that rookie goaltender Michal Neuvirth has been outstanding.
The 23-year-old Czech native has been a work horse for the Washington Capitals this season. While many were debating which goaltender would start for the Caps, there was little question in my mind, Neuvith has the net.
Through his first three playoff appearances, Neuvirth stats are spectacular, 1.22 GAA with a .951 SV% and a shutout.
None too shabby for a rookie goaltender in his first full season in the NHL. The former Hershey Bear is ranked first among Rookie goaltenders in the playoffs.
Neuvy played in 48 games this season, winning 27 of them.
While SemyonVarlamov struggled with injury, Neuvirth shined....
and stretched.....
and stretched a teensy bit more.
While I can't (won't) speculate on the outcome of the playoffs, I can say that I thoroughly enjoy watching Neuvirth in net and that's enough of a reason to wish for a long run for the Capitals.
Playoffs are right around the corner and this week we're featuring a none playoff contender, who nonetheless greatly impacted the playoffs.
Jose Theodore is a goaltender for the Minnesota Wild. His 26 save effort against Dallas on April 10, 2011 granted the 2009-2010 Stanley Cup Champion, Chicago Blackhawks a playoff berth.
Theodore is a NHL veteran having played for the Canadiens, Avalanche, Capitals, and most recently the Wild. His indomitable spirit is truly inspiring.
Jose spent two seasons with the Washington Capitals before finding a home in Minnesota, splitting ice time with Niklas Backstrom.
Alot has been written about Jose Theodore. The tragedy he faced with the death of his infant son, being teamless at the end of summer 2010, and his time in Montreal.
Me, well I just want to write about his eyes.
The seriousness of his gaze is mesmerizing.
The Minnesota Wild signed Jose Theodore at the last minute and the decision was sound. While the team is in flux, one thing is for certain, the former Vezina winner has still got it.
I don't think it's any secret that I love minor league hockey. I write a blog about my local ECHL team for crying out loud. One of my favorite things are minor league goalies. I'm not talking about the guys that are just paying their dues before they can move up or some big name prospect smoothing his rough edges by being peppered with 30 something shots in a game.
I'm talking about the guys who, for whatever reason, will spend their entire careers in ancient stadiums in front of 3,000 fans (at the most). One of my favorite career minor league goalies is Ryan Nie. I'm pretty sure I know why he's never really had a chance in the upper levels, but it doesn't matter.
The dude is fantastic. He really is.
Admitting that I adore him as much as I do is extremely hard for me. The guy has quite a knack for making my teams life miserable when he comes to town.
By my count, he's played for nine different teams in the last four years. I really can't help but adore him for that. It's like he's the saddest little puppy in the pound that just can't find that one home he's meant for.
The saddest part? This guy can put up wicked win/loss numbers. Take right now for example, 30-16-5. Last season? 28-12-4. It just keeps going.
Of course, I would be remiss in not mentioning how easy on the eyes he is. In fact, let me share a quote from the lovely person who sent these to me, Lisa(@Mnemneth):
"A lot of people made fun of me for falling all over myself in front of him, but he was just too cute. I love broken noses and he has the most gorgeous blue eyes and long eyelashes. He's totally sweet and definitely team-oriented. Always does what's best for his boys."
I really can't agree more. They are some terribly dreamy eyes and the broken nose makes him look so tough.
DGM is all about inspiration. This week was difficult and I was struggling for a clear vision. I reviewed several prospects for todays post, including Thomas McCullom (ECHL to NHL in 1 week), and a hockey hall of fame post, before deciding upon Mike Murphy.
Murphy is a Hurricanes prospect that plays for the teams AHL affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers. Prior to being injured Mike was posting some pretty solid stats and while those are titillating in their own way, Murphy gets the nod for much much more.
Murphy's qualifications for DGM:
1. Yes, he is more than a pretty face and awesome flow.
2. @MichaelMurphy31 is great about interacting with fans, he even lets the broads attempt to wheel him on twitter.
3.
Murphy's Mail Bag began last season when the team resided in Albany, NY. This year we have the added pleasure of Michal Jordan.
4.
Quick flashback. We all should have known this was coming. Rocking that shade of yellow is a skill all on its own.
5. Murphy is the Checkers "Man of the Year" for his continued work with Checkers charities and promotion of good causes.
What can I say? He's handsome, funny, charitable and likes kids. Sounds like a pretty damn good DGM to me!
Leighton was not on the casual hockey fans radar until the 2009-2010 playoffs where Leighton proved clutch for the Flyers.
