Leighton expects ribbing at Blackhawks camp after giving up Cup-winning goal in 2010
Veteran goaltender Michael Leighton will attempt to resume his NHL career where it all began after signing a one-year deal with the Chicago Blackhawks on Monday, the team that drafted him in 1999.
Upon arriving at Chicago's training camp next month, Leighton anticipates hearing at least a wisecrack or two regarding Patrick Kane's 2010 Stanley Cup-winning goal, which Leighton surrendered from a tough angle.
“There’s probably going to be a couple of jokes around the locker room,” Leighton said, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. “But I’m over it, and I’m looking forward to being part of the Blackhawks again."
Leighton added that he has no knowledge of what happened to the puck after the goal (seen below) was scored: “I’ve heard there’s a lot of controversy about it. I don’t know where the puck is. I know I’ve been asked many times.
"The last I’ve seen, it was under the net. I kind of lifted the net up and kicked it. I know the referee or linesman was beside me, and that was it. That was the last thing on my mind, finding out where that puck was.”
The 33-year-old says the 2010 playoff run with the Flyers "made [his] career," and aims to once again be a contributing member at the NHL level.
“My goal is obviously to play better than [Antti Raanta] and [Corey] Crawford, if I can,” he said. “That’s all I can control. I’m going to go into camp in good shape and play my best, and if it doesn’t work out, then I’ll work hard in Rockford to get back to it. That’s my goal - I want to play in the NHL, I want to play for the Hawks.”
Leighton spent last season plying his trade in the KHL with Donbass HC, recording 20 wins, a 1.74 GAA and a .934 save percentage.