Legace Makes 'Canes Debut

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This time last season Manny Legace was the Blues' starting goaltender before falling out of favor and ultimately being demoted to the minors as Chris Mason played his way into the job. Legace became a free agent over the summer and wasn't claimed by another team until Atlanta brought him into their training camp before uultimately cutting the veteran.

This week Legace was signed to a one year, two-way, deal as Carolina needed a quick fix to compensate for the loss of starting goaltender Cam Ward. The former Stanley Cup winner (2006) suffered a laceration to his left leg on Saturday when collliding with Columbus' Rick Nash. Ward is expected to miss up to a month, leaving Michael Leighton as the only other goalie on the Hurricane's roster.  

Legace last played in the National Hockey League on January 19th as he started a game for St. Louis in Boston before giving way to Mason after allowing a goal on two shots in the game's first 10:35. The Blues ultimately rallied from a 4-2 deficit to win 5-4 in a shootout.

Tonight Legace will start for the 'Canes against Los Angeles in the first of a three-game homestand at RBC Center in Raleigh, North Carolina. Last season Legace was 13-9-2 in 29 appearances with the Note. Legace's save percentage was a below-average .885 paired with a 3.18 goals-against average.

That was then, this is now. Legace, 36 years of age and a former eighth round pick in 1993 of the Hartford Whalers (before moving to Carolina, ironically enough), will likely get numerous chances to prove that he is still capable of playing at the NHL level...although his team may not give him the best chance to win after losing 12 straight leading to tonight's test against the Kings.

TPC