Leetch to Flyers? Sounds like a plan

Recent reports suggest that the Flyers may be interested in former Ranger and Bruin defenseman Brian Leetch. Let me be the first to say... thank god!

With Mike Rathje down to injury for an unknown amount of time (check back tomorrow for an update on his condition) and Freddy Meyer struggling to find himself, it may be time to look to the 38-year old Leetch for an upgrade.

Being a younger fan of the game of hockey, I was unable to appreciate Leetch's heroic 34 point performance in the 23 playoff games during New York's 1994 Stanley Cup run. What I do know about Leetch is that he would be a great quarterback on the power play, something this Flyers squad sorely needs... and he would also add quality veteran leadership to a younger defense that includes Freddy Meyer, Randy Jones, and Nolan Baumgartner. With Rathje's situation appearing to be quite serious, Leetch would add a totally new element to the Flyers roster.

Tonight's Game: Tonight the Flyers travel to Madison Square Garden to take on Leetch's former club, the Rangers. Ken Hitchcock is expected to be doing a lot of on-the fly changes to the lines, and has already stated that Jeff Carter will be back to the 2nd line tonight as a center, with Niko Dimitrakos and R.J. Umberger as his linemates. For Dimitrakos, it will be his first game action of the season.

Antero Niittymaki will get the start between the pipes, and Robert Esche will most likely get the call tomorrow night vs. Montreal at the Wachovia Center.

Game Information: 7:00, Versus, 610WIP