Perhaps it's still not too late for Brian Boucher to get back into the running for the Conn Smythe Trophy.According to reports out of Philadelphia on Wednesday, the Flyers' one-time No. 1, No. 2 and No. 3 goalie could return to the lineup as a backup to Michael Leighton as early as Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final on Saturday against the Chicago Blackhawks.
After leading Philadelphia to a first round victory over New Jersey, Boucher was injured in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against Boston. Leighton, only recently off the injured list himself, played a key role in the Flyers' historic comeback from down 3-0 to beat Boston.
Diagnosed with MCL sprains in both knees, Boucher was initially thought to be sidelined for the rest of the playoffs. (In hindsight, maybe even Flyers management didn't believe they'd be playing past Memorial Day). Boucher has resumed practicing with the team and his return for the Final has not been ruled out.
Three rounds in, it's hard to believe that Boucher still has played more minutes in the 2010 postseason than Leighton. Both have been outstanding. Boucher is 6-4 with a 2.33 GAA and .915 save percentage over 10 games. In eight games, Leighton is 6-1 with a 1.45 GAA and .948 save percentage. While Leighton has been better, Boucher's ability to overcome the pressure and outduel Martin Brodeur in Philadelphia's five-game victory over New Jersey in the opening round should not be overlooked.
Boucher's possible return would result in the Flyers no longer losing sleep if Leighton was to suffer an injury. In the interim, Philadelphia has been getting by with untested Swedish goaltender Johan Backlund as the backup.
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