PHILADELPHIA, June 8 (UPI) -- Goalie Michael Leighton will get the start in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals despite being pulled earlier, Coach Peter Laviolette indicated Tuesday.
Laviolette removed Leighton for the final two periods of Game 5 after he allowed three goals on 13 shots. Leighton was taken out of Game 1 in the second period after surrendering five goals on 20 shots.
During a post-practice press conference Tuesday, the Flyers coach gave a vote of confidence and the start to the netminder, NHL.com reported.
"Our goaltender has the best numbers in the playoffs," he said. "I didn't think I had to announce it."
Indeed, Leighton has been instrumental in Philadelphia's post-season run, sporting a playoff-best 2.34 goals-against average, notching three shutouts and owning the NHL's second-best playoff save percentage at .918.
"You get mad when you get pulled," Leighton told NHL.com. "Do you want to get back out there and prove it was a fluke? That's what I want to do. I want to get back in there and get the support of the team back and help our team."
