Are the Flyers seriously thinking about dropping Biron?

By Greg Wyshynski

Ron Hextall vs. Garth Snow. John Vanbiesbrouck vs. Brian Boucher. Roman Cechmanek vs. Brian Boucher. Robert Esche vs. Antero Niittymaki. All of this has happened before, and it's happening again for the Philadelphia Flyers; a franchise for whom goaltending controversies are as ingrained in its traditions as orange, black and 34 years of playoff disappointment.

It wasn't necessarily supposed to be like this, as the team acquired Martin Biron and he started 59 games and all 17 of the Flyers' postseason games through the Eastern Conference finals last season.
This season, he's started 29 to Niittymaki's 20, but only has one start since Jan. 16. In more limited action, Niittymaki (11-4-4, 2.59 GAA, .917 save percentage) has the better numbers than Biron this season (15-10-5, 2.89, .905).

He's earned his playing time from Coach John Stevens. Then again, a lack of confidence in Antero Niittymaki as a starting goaltender was one of the reasons the Flyers traded for Biron in the first place.
Philadelphia is one of several teams facing either a blessing of riches or a growing headache as two goalies battle it out for playing time. One Flyers beat writer believes moving Biron could be essential for addressing the team's other lineup needs.


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