TAMPA - John LeClair knew that intangible contributions would be enough to quiet the restless critics for a while. His 14 years and 382 goals in the NHL earned him that.
Eventually, though, he was going to have to do something very tangible on the score sheet in the playoffs or the murmurs would grow to a roar. A player making $9-million a season could expect that, especially after ranking third among Flyers with 23 goals and 55 points in the regular season. The fact the Flyers had fallen behind in a playoff series for the first time this postseason only amplified the necessity for LeClair, 34, to make something happen.
LeClair did that on Monday, and did it quickly with his first goal and second point of the postseason 1 minute, 53 seconds into a 6-2 Flyers win in Game 2.
For the Flyers, it wasn't so much a relief as a bonus. LeClair is a dangerous X-factor considering how the Flyers dominated in evening the series.
"John means a lot more than goals and assists," Flyers coack Ken Hitchcock said. "We didn't need it to win today, but it was nice to see him get a goal."
The low-key LeClair seemed more relieved to lift the burden of his scoring drought from his teammates.
"I think everybody kind of knew what was going on," he said. "But it's not about that, it's about the win."
Though LeClair's demeanor was no different than in his scoreless night in a 3-1 loss on Saturday, his teammates sensed an importance to the goal.
"He has to feel good about himself," Flyers center Keith Primeau said. "He puts a lot of pressure on himself to be a strong guy offensively. We haven't had to rely on him to this point, but it's nice to see him score. He's been a real competitor, and we use him in a lot of key situations."
LeClair had no goals since the Flyers' fifth-to-last regular season game on March 25. The point was his first in seven games. Debating whether LeClair might be ready for a scoring streak was a luxury for the Flyers as they get ready for Games 3 and 4 at home beginning Thursday.
"Honestly, this really lifts the heavy weight off your shoulders," Primeau said. "It removed the thing you might have had to face psychologically, personally."
His shot from the left point was far from scintillating, but it found its way through goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin's feet for a 1-0 lead. It counted, for the Flyers and LeClair.
And whether it injected a tinge of self-doubt into Khabibulin's mind - he was removed for backup John Grahame with 13:58 left in the second after allowing four goals - it set up a Flyers offensive binge.
LeClair still considers himself a scorer, but maintained during his slump that he was comfortable contributing in subtle ways: checking and occupying defenders in front of the net with his 6-foot-3, 225-pound body. He produced at least 50 goals from 1995-98 and at least 40 through 2000.
Hitchcock said LeClair has to evolve as Lightning captain Dave Andreychuk did, from sniper to role player.
"People have to change," Hitchcock said. "And John's willing to change, but people keep focusing on what he's not doing when in fact he's been one of our best players. We don't need him to score. We need the same things he's been giving us."
