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PHILADELPHIA - Ville Leino said he doesn’t feel like a rookie.
The Philadelphia Flyers winger certainly isn’t playing like one.
Leino continued his incredible playoff run with what turned out to be the winning goal in the Flyers’ 5-3 win over the Chicago Blackhawks to tie the best-of-seven Stanley Cup final 2-2 Friday night.
“The guys are giving me a hard time (about being classed as a rookie). I’m 26. I played in the final last year. I don’t feel like a rookie, but I guess the rules are the rules,” he said.
Leino, acquired from the Detroit when the Red Wings wanted to cut salary, was a healthy scratch for the first four games of the playoffs, but has become one of the Flyers best players since getting a shot.
Friday night’s goal, which bounced in off the back of Chicago forward Kris Versteeg in front of the ’Hawks goal, was his third goal of the final and his seventh of the playoffs. He broke Brian Propp’s record for most points in the playoffs by a Flyers rookie with 16.
“My confidence was at an all-time low there for a while,” said Leino. “It was tough when I got here. I didn’t get a chance right away. I played a few games and then I didn’t play again. Obviously, you go through emotions there and think maybe you won’t ever get a chance.”
“Ville Leino got an opportunity to come into the lineup and he’s been terrific,” said Flyers coach Peter Laviolette. “He makes plays. He scores big goals. He’s having a lot of fun doing it. So this the best opportunity he’s gotten, maybe ever in his NHL career, (than) with the Wings or with us in the regular season.
"The opportunity wasn’t as great as it is right now. He’s seizing the moment.”
He bounced back Friday night after taking a hit from Chicago defenceman Brian Campbell that caused his back to seize up. He said after some more treatment he’ll be good to go in Game 5 Sunday night in Chicago.
chris.stevenson@sunmedia.ca