Pre-season games are hard to gauge. It can be very difficult  to make judgements on a team based on its pre-season play.

Teams rarely play their full "opening day" lineups during the pre-season period, instead dedicating time to evaluating prospects. So, you're never watching a "finished product."

But that having been said, the Canes have a lot to be excited about regarding their play in a 1-nothing pre-season win over Philadelphia.

Michael Leighton's play in goal has to be at the top of that list. He made one sprawling glove save that was nothing short of spectacular. Leighton will serve as Cam Ward's backup this season, and the Canes have to like what they saw from their number two goalie.

Leighton's biggest claim to fame may be his 98-save performance in a five-overtime AHL playoff game. But how's this for irony? His opposing goalie in that AHL game, Scott Munroe, wound up facing him in this game as well! Munroe entered at the midway point with the Canes leading 1-0, and matched Leighton save for save.

Luckily this time, the game ended in regulation.