Flyers' Brian Boucher Makes Return, Doesn't Expect to Start Game 2

CHICAGO -- Brian Boucher lay on the ice for a few moments and had to be helped off after he sprained both knees in his last action in front of the Philadelphia Flyers' net.

His return was about as unforeseen as that exit -- although Boucher said he doubts he'll back back for Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals.

"It's a big surprise," said Boucher, who replaced starter Michael Leighton in the Chicago Blackhawks' 6-5 victory over the Flyers in Game at the United Center on Saturday. "You never know in a one-goal game what the coach is going to decide. From that standpoint, it was nice get re-acclimated and get into the game."

Flyers coach Peter Laviolette yanked Leighton after the he allowed a go-ahead goal to Troy Brouwer with five minutes left in the second period, the fifth goal on 20 shots Leighton surrendered. The switch worked at first as the Flyers tied the game, 5-5, on an Aaron Asham marker with 1:11 left in second.

Boucher made 11 saves, although he couldn't stop the game-winner scored by Tomas Kopecky midway through the third period.

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"He looked good in practice and he did a good job," Flyers coach Peter Laviolette said.

Boucher said he expects Laviolette to make a decision about who will start Game 2 on Sunday, although he said he thinks Leighton will get the not.

"I would think so," Boucher said. "If I had to guess, I'd guess that."

The last time Boucher same action was Game 5 of Flyers' second-round series against the Boston Bruins. He lay on the ice for a several moments in that contest after he sprained both knees after a teammate fell on him.

"They never told me I was done," Boucher said. "[Flyers trainer] Jimmy [McCrossin] said I'd be back in two weeks. I told him at the time, 'Make me a believer.' I was pretty sore at the time."

Boucher said he had no complaints after he played 24 minutes in relief.

"I feel good physically," said Boucher, who was tagged with the loss. "I am no worse for wear."

Leighton wasn't too harsh on himself afterward, calling a few of the Blackhawks' tallies "lucky breaks."

"There were one, maybe two goals I'd like to have back," Leighton said. "Not that they were awful goals, [but] I could have done some things different. I'll just have a good day of practice tomorrow and get back at it again"

Boucher, one of six Flyers goalies to see action this season, backstopped the Flyers' run down the stretch, punctuated by a stop of Olli Jokinen on the New York Rangers' final shootout attempt as Philly gained entry into the playoffs on the last regular season game.

He would go on to best Martin Brodeur and the New Jersey Devils in five games in the first round and win Game 4 in the second round to kick off the Philly's historic comeback from a 3-0 series deficit.

Leighton was 6-1 with a .948 goals against in the playoffs before Game 1 of the finals.