Tales From An Adirondack Nothing 2.0: Week 1

Dear Glove -

Well, here we are again. Back in Glens Falls. For joy. I've already prepared myself to be stuck here the whole year - don't know where else I would go unless they trade me. And if someone wanted me, they could have had me for free on the waiver wire - so I don't think I'm going anywhere.

Saturday was opening night at home. I got the start - Bacashihua backed me up - and Backlund, well, he went to the "press box" - or wherever you go when you're not playing in an AHL game.

Anyway - back to opening night against the Connecticut Whale (sorry folks, no Sean Avery in sight). We wore retro jerseys - they were okay, I guess. Player introductions were nice - I was the last introduced, and got a thunderous applause - no really, I did. They love me. See the video at 30 seconds in.

Of course once the game started, maybe they didn't love me as much. Gave up a goal to Kris Newbury 37 seconds into the game (it was a bad deflection, I swear). He completed the hat trick soon into the second period.

But that was it - no more goals after that. I got it together - team scored goals - six of them in total! I wound up stopping 24 of 27 (okay, and the post stopped two late in the third - thank you post). Not horrible, but I can do better.

Monday the Phantoms hosted some golf thing - every one had to join in with fans. I think I played okay - this guy thought I was a great guy. Again, nice to be appreciated.

Next home game is Friday - we'll see if I get the start.

Until then.

Grateful Eyes and Appreciative Smiles,

Leights

Tales from a Waiver Wire Nothing

Dear Glove -

Well, here we are again, back on the waiver wire. It's not really a surprise - this is where we expected to be - and there was nothing we could do. Such is life. I think we played well the one chance we got, but it wasn't going to make a difference. Just wasn't in the cards for us. So now we sit and wait. Wait to see what happens.

Part of me hopes we get claimed - San Jose and Florida could both use a rent-a-goalie. But that means that once the rent-a-goalie time is up, we'd probably be back on the waiver wire. I'm not really sure I'd like a repeat of 2006-2007. Then again - you never know - I could play my way onto one of those teams like Manny Legace did to me in 2009. Hmmmm.

Option number 2 - get sent to Adirondack and try to be king of the AHL again. Of course there's a logjam of goalies down there, too. Backlund and Bacashihua. Who knows what the plan is down there. The team looks better, so that's a plus. I could rack up my shutouts and claim the all-time shutout record in the AHL. I might even make the All Star team. Feel like I'm needed. That would be nice.

Option number 3 - I get loaned to Europe. Not sure how I feel about that. Was ready to do that in 2009 when the Flyers claimed me. We all know how that turned out. Pretty darn well all things considered. So maybe I can hope for that - just fall into some random luck again.

Whatever happens, I'm still getting paid - and paid well. That's a good thing. Don't know where my next contract might come from - if at all.

So for now - I guess the waiting is the hardest part.

Tick Tock Tick Tock,

Leights

Tales from a [Location TBD] Nothing

My Darling Glove -

Long time no talk, eh? Yeah, it's been a rough few months - to put it lightly. Finally get called up, make it on to the bench, make it into a game in relief but blow it in overtime and finally get a start and just completely fail. You thought I had no lateral movement before, well, ha - Game 5 was much horrendous. A fan in the stands could have done better. To make matters worse, I busted my hip and was unavailable to the media and they started saying I went AWOL and had a breakdown and all this jazz. I had family members calling me to ask if I'm okay and if I needed anything - like really? Give me a break.

So the hip - busted. Yup - that's right, had to have surgery - again. I'm starting to think I'm more fragile than Rick DiPietro. If only I could have figured out how to get a 15-year contract, then I'd be set. I can already tell next year is not going to be a pleasant one.

After the playoff debacle with the musical goalies - cause let's face it, we all stunk at one time or another during the playoffs - management decided it might be time to stop shopping off the goalie clearance rack. They went out and traded for the rights to Ilya Bryzgalov. Yeah, this guy wants serious money and serious years. He'd be kind of amusing if his arrival didn't mean a one way ticket to the waiver wire for yours truly - cause let's face it, he's Russian, Bob's Russian, Boosh is a UFA and I'm screwed. At least it appears that there will be room down on the Phantoms, with rumblings of Backlund going to Europe and Homer just giving up to the rights to everyone else on the farm aside from Stewie - just got to make the most of a bad situation. At least I can go down there and break the AHL shutout record - a whole season down there, piece of cake. At least I'll be wanted.

Maybe it's time to consider a new profession.

Dejected Faces and Heavy Sighs,

Leights

Tales from an Adirondack Nothing: The End of the Line

This one isn't a humor post, but rather an open letter to Michael Leighton.

This post from Anthony San Fillipo got us thinking.

(Editor's Note: This means the end of the line for the Leighton diary. We're not gonna kick someone when they're down like this. If Leighton gets himself together and things look up, we'll consider restarting the feature.)

Hopefully not the end...

Dear Leights,

Thank you for everything. I know the city of Philadelphia can be hard on anyone. I also know that you're really hard on yourself to perform. Last year, you saved the Flyers season. You're 3 SOs against the Habs in the Eastern Conference Finals guarantee that you will spend time in the record books as Bernie Parent's equal. That's something to be proud of. You will be forever known as the guy who brought the Flyers within 2 wins of a Cup win in 2010. You're a great guy, and for the wins we will be thankful.

It seems though that you've developed some problems both emotionally and physically. For that, I wish you the best of luck in recovering. Michael Leighton, please get well soon. I hope to see you in the NHL again someday.

Forever thankful for what you gave us,
-DGS

PS: You'll still have a place in Philly Girl's heart, that's a guarantee.

Tales from a Philadelphia Press Box: Do Over Anyone?

My Darling Glove -

Well - we cleared waivers. That's right, I'm back in orange and black - okay, I was always in orange and black, I've just ditched the purple. I'm officially back on the Flyers' roster. Granted, I'm a third goalie again - just here for depth, but it still feels good. I'm joining the team in Buffalo tomorrow. I heard it snowed there today - it will be like I never left Glens Falls.

Right away, Lavy deemed Bob the starter for Friday (a whole two days in advance, really?) - and then said Bob and Boosh were the guys for the playoffs. Yeah, I get it. Don't want to deal with me. Tough luck, I'm here anyway. Maybe something will go my way, maybe it won't - but for now, I'm going to enjoy living in a city again. The Phantoms season was pretty much over anyway.

Of course, if they wanted to see if they could get a shutout in their last two games, they might be better served putting me in between the pipes...just saying. And of course, against the Islanders, I'd like to see DiPietro try to fight me - come on down buddy, I'll break the other side of your face. No problem.

Anyway, I'm just happy to be here. I mean nothing could taint this moment for me, it's just so wonderful to be in the NHL aga- oh crap, I have to start paying escrow again. #DanEllisProblems.

Hugs and a Slightly Lighter Wallet,

Leights

Tales from an Adirondack Nothing: Lucky #13

Hell Yes Glove -

Who the hell cares what happened last week - I'm on re-entry waivers! It's about time. Okay, okay. I'm going to go crazy if I just sit around trying to imagine what's going to happen in 24 hours. Will I still be a Flyer? If not, who's going to claim me? And if I do get claimed, how am I entertaining myself for the off-season that is starting a week early.

So, might as well recap my 13th and final week in the AHL - at least I'm going out on top.

Started the week on the bench while Johan took on the Albany Devils. That did not go so well. He let up six goals (though they weren't all his fault) and we lost 6-2. Not a good way to open the week.

Friday was April Fools Day - such a fun day - not. A site in Philly posted a nice joke about my changing glove hands to try to get back into the NHL. Yeah, like I would ever replace you with a glove for another hand. Worse, people actually believed them. Society has lost its damn mind. We get the last laugh though, you and me glove - we're heading back to the big time - together.

Friday we also took on the Devils again - kind of a shooting gallery. The team exploded for nine goals - I let up five. Of course, in fairness to me, one was a penalty shot and one Jancevski shot right at me. I wasn't ready for my own defense to shoot on me. D'on. We won, so I guess that's all that matters. Certainly wasn't a night for goalies.

Saturday was much better. Played the Crunch - a team we pretty much dominate. Shut them out. That's right - shut out #4 on the season and #33 in my AHL career. Needless to say, I was the first star of the game. I just keep racking them up. After the game, they auctioned the jerseys off our backs. Mine went for $1,000 - can you believe it? Who wants that? Feels nice though.

On Monday, we played the Rochester Americans. The boys exploded for another six goals, including a hat trick for my roomie, Hamel. As for me, you know, just another shutout. Number five on the season, 34 all-time. Not a bad way to go out if you ask me. And as always, many thanks to the fans in Glen Falls. They welcomed me with open arms and cheered for me day in and day out. They've been great and I'm glad I could give them a shutout and a win in my farewell game.

Okay, back to wondering what tomorrow will bring. So for now - here's to the night. I'm going to celebrate. Come tomorrow, I'm back in the NHL.

Hugs and Nervous Smiles,

Leights

Tales from an Adirondack Nothing: The Waiting Is the Hardest Part

Well Glove -

My times has come. I got the call up today. I officially went on re-entry waivers at noon today. Now it's going to be a long 24-hours. See, who knows where I'm going to be in 24 hours. If I clear, I go to the Flyers and I'm back on the roster. I even hear they are interested in my starting against Buffalo on Friday. How awesome would that be? Maybe I could finally get them a shutout - 'cause you know, I have five in 29 games and Boosh and Bob have none in 79 games.

Of course, I might not clear. I could be claimed. If I'm claimed, then I can't play this season for the claiming team. They're claiming me for next year - or to screw the Flyers over. I'm a little scared that Ottawa will take me - just what I need, to be stuck behind Craig Anderson again. For joy of joys.

So while we wait, let's recap my love/hate relationship with the waiver wire:

1. 2005: Waived by Hawks 'cause I was the third goalie, coach hated me - I cleared, but then got traded to Buffalo.
2. 2006: Anaheim waived me to send me to the AHL as the depth goalie. I cleared.
3. 2006: Anaheim put me on re-entry waivers when both their roster goalies were injured, but Nashville claimed me.
4. 2007: After 20 minutes with Nashville, I got waived again and claimed by the Flyers.
5. 2007: The Flyers traded for Marty Biron, so I got waived and claimed by Montreal.
6. 2009: Carolina waived me in favor of Manny Legace. No one claimed me.
7. 2009: Carolina tried to help me out by putting me on re-entry waivers in hopes that someone would take me at half price - and the Flyers did. You know the rest of that year.
8. 2011: The Flyers waived me after I returned from back surgery. I cleared and reported to the Phantoms. Been kicking ass and taking names ever since.
9. 2011: Currently sitting on re-entry waivers hoping no one takes me and ends my season.

So there you have it. My stomach will be in knots for the next 24 hours. For joy. I'll try to write about week 13 while I wait. We'll see what happens.

By the way - they told me during the team photo - awkward!

Hugs and Chewed Fingernails,

Leights

Tales from an Adirondack Nothing: Week 12

My Darling Glove -

Phew, what an exhausting week. Since we last spoke, the Phantoms have played five games in six days - and I played four of those games. Guess coach likes me a little more now - or he's trying to kill me. I can't tell which one it is yet. So, I guess you're wondering how the games went. You could say I had my highs and lows - no surprise there.

The first game was in Charlotte against the Checkers (formerly my Albany River Rats teammates). Let up five goals. Oops. Not a good night for me, though the team in general was just not good - and it was a penalty-fest. I can only do so much. Still, I'm sure that was the reason Backlund got to start in Norfolk the next night. He lost, too - just not as many goals.

Friday it was back to Glens Falls to face the Hershey Bears. Won 2-1 - almost had another shutout, but lost it in the third period. Oh well. Caught a break playing the Bears - Holtby got scratched at the last minute to get recalled (went up and shutout the Canadiens - my kind of goalie).

Saturday we took on the Wilkes Barre/Scranton Penguins - beat them 3-2. Back-to-back wins for me - very nice. I was floored when coach started me on Sunday afternoon versus the Worcester Sharks - three days in a row. Couldn't hold on though - wound up losing 3-1 (I only let in two of those). Oh well, can't win them all.

The good news - I've finally amounted enough minutes to get posted on the leader boards. Woooo. Go me. Or not - seeing as I'm under John Grahame, you know, the guy the Flyers signed right before they plucked me off waivers. We also crossed paths in Albany in 2007-08. Oh well, I should move the stats up shortly.

Speaking of the Flyers - Fox 29 News did a spot on me last week (they recorded it earlier this month) - all about the "exiled goalie." Yup, that's me. Got to talk about how I was making the most of my situation down there, and of course, plug the family side and how at least my daughter can see me on Skype. I'm sure the viewers, well at least the female ones, just ate that up.

Season is almost over - then it's off to do nothing. Odds of me getting recalled are probably slim to none thanks to re-entry waivers. You know us - often waived, rarely clears. Hope Backlund enjoys the call up. Sigh.

Hugs & Resignation,

Leights

Tales from an Adirondack Nothing: Week 11

Hello My Glove -

Eleven weeks. Can you really believe we've been here 11 weeks? Geesh. Time flies when you're miserable. Okay, so I'm not totally miserable. I had to make the best of a bad situation and I guess it's working out okay. I'm finally playing well, the guys like me, the fans like me - life could be better, but this works for now (if I just forget the Adirondack world).

Only two games this week and I got to play in both of them. Wednesday we played Binghamton - beat them 5-2. I even had an assist. That was a nice little touch to add to the day. I was first star of the game. Always nice to be part of that.

Saturday was up in Toronto against the Marlies. Stopped 38 of 39 shots (31 of those in the first two periods!). Had a shutout going into the third, but just couldn't hold on. No matter, we got the win. I was only second star of the game - hardly seems fair since I was one of the only reasons we were able to win that game in the first place. (No, I'm not exaggerating.) The fans did cheer for me at one point because I freed a puck from the netting to give to the fans. Have to play up my audience - I'm just thankful someone was there to watch the game.

Heading south to play the old teammates (Charlotte Checkers, who used to be the Albany River Rats) and at one of my old stomping grounds (Norfolk, once affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks). Just in time if you ask me - it snowed. I figure coach has to play Backlund eventually, but I've won three in a row and only let up three goals in those games. Why mess with a good thing?

Hugs & Memories,

Leights

Tales from an Adirondack Nothing: Weeks 9 and 10

Hello Glove -

I know, I've been slacking. Just haven't felt like I had much to say, at least not last week. Let up five goals against the Albany Devils. Not all my fault, but there are at least two I would very much like back. Not good. I mean really, not good. Needless to say, I spent the next day on the bench. It's okay though, this little girl saw my mask on the ground and wanted to hold it. Security let her and then I came out of the locker room for a picture. Adorable. Really.

Played Albany again this week, but I was still parked on the bench. Couple of fights I was really eager to get in to - at one point, Kalinski was just taking a pounding and I pushed the security guard aside to bang on the glass to tell the refs to break it up (1:30 in). I mean really, isn't that their job, not mine? Sometimes I really feel like I have clowns to the left of me and jokers to the right. Seriously.

Saturday I got to play Hershey. You would think we could beat them since that Holtby guy is up lighting it up in the NHL (so jealous), but no. Lost 3-2 in OT. I think I did okay, but not great.

Good news though - Sunday - ah Sunday - my redemption. Stood on my head. Stopped all 28 shots I faced and notched my third shutout of the year, 32 all-time in the AHL. Meanwhile, Bob and Boosh - still nada. I know it's not much, but it's all I got, so I go with it.

Hugs & Boredom,

Leights

Tales from an Adirondack Nothing: Week Eight

Hello Glove -

Last we spoke, I was confessing my embarrassing moment with Derian Hatcher. Well, things got worse, but then they got better. Let me explain.

Friday, the Wall Street Journal ran an article about "Where the NHL Stashes its Mistakes." Guess who was the lead in that story? Yup, you guessed it. Me. Worse, it mentioned how fans came to the Civic Center for Girl Scout night - not me. How pathetic is that? Sigh.

Okay, so now that we got the bad stuff out of the way - on to the good stuff. Three games this weekend. Johan got the start on Friday - not good. Not sure what coach was thinking - it was against Hamilton, Montreal's AHL affiliate. Um, hello coach - I own Montreal. Nuff said. I got the starts on Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday I stopped 38 of 39 shots - then went on to stop five of six players in a shootout to seal the victory for the Phantoms. I admit, I got a bit overexcited when you caught that last shootout shot. Celebrated a bit much, and then hit the puck to center ice with my stick like I was playing stick ball. All that, and I was still only second star of the game. Afterward, they auctioned off our game worn jerseys. I was still excited, so I threw in my stick as part of the auction with my jersey - why not? Went for $700. Guess those Girl Scouts have a lot of money from cookie sales.

Sunday, stopped 25 of 27. Got first star of the game in a 5-2 win. Thunderous applause from the crowd. It was awesome. Surprised they still wanted to cheer for me after I got a four-minute double minor for high sticking. Yeah, how does a goalie do that - and then to draw blood, too - what are the odds? Good grief.

Anyway, I feel pretty good about the weekend. Hoping things keep going well. Like it much better than moping.

Hugs and Overexcited Reactions,

Leights

Tales from an Adirondack Nothing: Special Embarrasing Moment Edition

So, Um, Glove...

Just a quick update today in addition to the usual weekly report. Derian Hatcher was at practice today. You know, used to play defense for the Flyers. Was slow as hell before having a total knee replacement. Yeah - that guy.

He decided to take a penalty shot on me and well, um, he scored. No really, just waltzed right up and stuffed it thru the 5-hole. I tried to play it off like I was just playing around and wasn't taking the whole thing seriously. I was totally taken aback by the burst of speed he came at me with - I mean, where did that come from? Who knew he could still move like that. The bionic knee must be doing wonders for him.

So yeah, to summarize - my 5-hole, pretty much open to all parties 24/7. Sigh.

Hugs & Sheepish Faces

Leights

Tales from an Adirondack Nothing: Week 7

Dear Glove -

It wasn't such a great weekend for me. I mean, we got two points, but lost in shootouts. I'm just not good at those. Sunday, this one guy just came right up and stuffed it through the five-hole. That's just wrong. I really need to work on that. Saturday, I actually managed to give up three goals in four minutes. Not my finest moment. Sure coach will love me even more now. Sigh. At least Johan lost on Friday, too...in a shootout. Really, what is that?

I had a brief glimmer of hope on Sunday before the game. The Flyers were playing the Rangers and Boosh went down with an injury. Looked pretty bad, he wasn't getting up or anything. I got excited for a moment and then realized what does it matter? There's no way I'm making it through re-entry waivers, so I'm stuck here for the duration, regardless of what happens to Boosh and Bob. Hell, they'd call up Backlund then bring Riopel or Stewie back from the ECHL and one of them would be more appreciated by coach.

Yeah, I'm in hell. Sigh.

Hugs & Tears,

Leights

Tales from an Adirondack Nothing: Week 6

Happy Valentine's Day Glove -

We'll get into how the weekend went shortly, but I need to ask you a personal question first. You know you're my one true love and all, but I need your opinion on what to get the wife. She's been following me around the league for ten years, she has to be sick of me by now. You think this would put her over the edge? I thought she might see the humor in it. Okay, yeah, you're right as usual. Not a good idea. She'd probably waive me, too.

So back to the weekend. Saturday night we played the baby Penguins (number one team in the AHL) and I got to start. I was fantastic. Stopped everything they tossed my way - 28 shots in total for my second consecutive shutout. Yeah I know, their top seven scorers weren't in the line up, but think about it. When your team can only muster up one goal on 18 shots, you have to stop everything that comes your way, no matter who's shooting it. Got first star of the game and second star in the entire AHL on Saturday night. Woohoo for me.

If Saturday was my high of the weekend, Sunday was definitely the low. Got my third consecutive start, but gave up four goals, including an overtime goal. Blew two leads. Yeah, I know, not my best work. I did have a few amazing saves, but they don't mean nothing when you lose. The overtime goal went in and I just went straight for the locker room. I was not happy with myself.

We'll see if coach goes back to his pet on Wednesday. But at least I can say I had a 157:45 minute shutout streak. 31 career AHL shutouts. Here's hoping I don't get the chance to break the record of 45.

Hugs & Roses,

Leights

Tales from an Adirondack Nothing: Week 5

Dearest Glove -

It was a bit of a bi-polar weekend for the team. Thankfully, I was on the good side of that mood swing (well, mostly anyway).

Friday we played the Syracuse Crunch - dominated them all year - Friday, not so much. Coach started Johan - don't know why he lets that guy play so much. I think he's the coach's pet. Whatever. Four goals in barely a period and a half and Johan was smashing his stick and storming off the ice. So much for my night off. I only gave up one goal, and in fairness to us, there were three people piled up on us. I mean really, doesn't anyone believe in clearing the damn crease? Chris would not stand for this. Elbows would be flying. (Oh, we lost, in case you couldn't tell).

Saturday was much better, despite the six-hour bus ride overnight for a 5PM game the next day. Played against the Hamilton Bulldogs, one of the best in the league. Team made it an easy night for me - scored four goals and I only faced 20 shots, stopping them all. That's right, posted my 30th career shutout in the AHL. Thrilling. Of course the Bulldogs are the affiliate of the Montreal Canadiens, cause you know, I own them. Perhaps coach should start me more. I just might surprise him.

Have I mentioned Bob and Boosh still don't have a shutout this season?

Hugs & Smiles,

Leights

Tales from an Adirondack Nothing: Week 4

Yo Glove -

Just a quick update this week since I only played once. Johan got to start on Wednesday and Saturday - what's up with that? I come down here and can't even capture the starting role in the AHL? I suppose that's because they score goals for Johan, but not for me. So even though he let up seven goals in his two games, he got two wins. Me - stopped 36 of 38 and lost 2-1. Life sucks.

The Phantoms news write up for Friday said "Leighton Dazzles in Dax's Debut" - in a loss? I dazzle in a loss? Sure I was second star of the game, but what is that? It was against my former teammates, too (the Albany River Rats, now the Charlotte Checkers). They know my weaknesses. Too much practice with them. And to think, I bought those guys Panera Bread when their bus flipped over a few years back. This is the thanks I get?

And while we're on the topic of what the hell - the Phantoms new mascot - what fresh hell is that? No really, what is that? I can't even figure it out. That thing better not come anywhere near me. He does, and I'll give him the same treatment I gave Cam Ward.

The only good news of this week - I'm not the most expensive player on the Phantoms anymore. Matt Walker arrived this week. Welcome to hell, buddy.

All-Star break now. No practice during the days surrounding the game. I'm going home to Canada to see my family - wonder if they remember who I am at this point.

Hugs & Tears,

Leights

Tales from an Adirondack Nothing: Week 3

January 24, 2011

DG -

Friday we played in Philadelphia. First time playing a meaningful game in the Wachovia, um, Wells Fargo Center since that whole thing with the puck and my 5-hole in the finals (wait - glove don't leave, I know it sucked, stand by me would you). Though I suppose meaningful is a stretch when discussing the AHL and you're on the worst team in the league, playing the best team in the league. No matter - the announced crowd was 18,056 and we gave them their money's worth. Stopped 38 of 40 shots - probably should have stopped all 40. It was great to be back and cheered for, especially when we're used to deafening silence now in many AHL arenas. After the game, the guys all came up to hug me; feels nice to be wanted.

Saturday I sat by myself in the designated spot for the back up at Glens Falls. No room on the bench. This sounds familiar. Just as well, they wore these hideous uniforms for some reason. Glad I was hiding mine in the stands.

Sunday. Um, I rather not discuss Sunday. Let's just say I let up five goals and glove, you clearly were asleep on my hand. It was not good.

As an aside, this road trip sucked. Glens Falls to Philly to Glens Falls to Hershey then back to Glens Falls. What genius thought that up?

Okay, it was -22 degree last night and frankly, my fingers are too numb to write anymore - just what I need, numb fingers to go with my numb foot. What fresh hell is this? Actually, it can't be hell - at least hell would be warm.

Hugs & Tears,

Leights

Tales from an Adirondack Nothing: Week 2

January 16, 2011

Dearest Glove -

What fresh hell is this? No, seriously. What fresh hell is this? It was -6 degrees on Friday night. On top of that, the boys decided to only show up for the final 20 minutes of the game - again. And I even worked extra hard to make sure no goals went in through the 5-hole (though I did let in 2 - but they really weren't my fault, I swear). Would it kill them to play a little defense now and then? Of course I get that a lot of them are just kids, so that's why I let them all exit the ice first after the loss and gave them all encouraging pats on the back. Kids need encouragement.
But glove, you were totally awesome on Friday, so props to you. You're the reason we were 3rd star of the game.

Saturday I got to start again. (Did I mention the freaking blizzard that came down in Glens Falls on Saturday?) Been a while since I played two games in one week, let alone two nights. I think I was a wee bit slow in the first period. The offense really had a lot of jump; the defense, not so much. I let in three goals - two weren't really my fault, but goal number two, you really failed me glove. Don't know where you were - we should have had that shot easy. No 5-hole again, though that Tangradi guy really did me a favor by not tucking it in my wide open legs when he had a clear shot. I'll have to send him a fruit basket or something. We lost - I know, shocker.

Sunday I got the day off. They finally scored some goals - 5 of them - and won. Go figure they win for Johan.

Next game is at the Wells Fargo Center in Philly. I wonder if I'm starting - cause that won't be weird. Finally starting at home in Philly - as an AHL goalie. One more time - what fresh hell is this?

Okay, time to go lay in bed and stare at the ceiling - I mean really, what else is there to do here?

Hugs & Tears,

Leights

Tales from an Adirondack Nothing

My Dearest Glove...

It's been quite a week, eh? Waived...again. Cleared waivers. Gave emotional interview to the Philadelphia media one last time. Then off to Glens Falls. At least my current pads match the Phantoms uniforms. I suppose that's a positive.

Well, at least I still have you, Glove

Our first game was in Siberia - okay, so Abbotsford, British Columbia is not Siberia, but it took a whole freaking day to get here. Three hours ON A BUS to Montreal. Five hour flight to Vancouver. Then another hour on a bus to Abbotsford. Seriously, I thought I was beyond this nonsense. And did I mention all it does here is rain? I guess that's okay because it hides my ever-flowing tears.

As for the game - the team decided not to join me for the game until the third period, so I was quite busy for the first 40-plus minutes. The Heat's offense was suppose to suck, but apparently I inspired them to attack me all the time. Lucky me. They're so mean too, went right for my five-hole. They know that's my weakness. Evil. Lost in the shootout - I should probably practice those. I just stood there. I forgot I'm supposed to actually challenge the shooters. Oops.

Got to take the second game off and chill on the bench in my tuque. Backlund got the same treatment I got, just in reverse - killed in the third. At one point he went down on his knees for a good five minutes and I thought I'd have to get back on the ice. Then he saw me coming and had a miraculous recovery. Phew.

Getting back on the plane now. Instead of raining, it's snowing. Did I mention this place sucks?

Okay, back to the bag for you, people think it's weird that I'm talking to my glove.

Hugs & Tears,

Leights