J’ded Perspective 

Last night goalie Martin Biron stopped all 31 shots he faced as the Flyers beat the winless Thrashers 4-0.  The shutout was Biron’s 19^th of his career, and his first as a member of the Flyers. 

Last season Biron was Ryan Miller’s backup in Buffalo.  He was struggling in that role, with a GAA over 3.00 and a save percentage under 90%.  Although he had his struggles, Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren saw Biron as the future goalie of the franchise.  At last year’s trading deadline he sent the Flyers 2007 second round draft pick (TJ Brennan), for Biron. 

So far the trade has paid off.  Through five games this season, Biron is 4-1 with a 1.81 GAA.  In Biron’s four wins he has been outstanding, allowing a combined five goals.  In Edmonton, where he suffered his lone loss, he started strong but had a weak second period where he allowed three goals. 

The Flyers have the offense to score goals, but the success of the season will hinge on Biron.  Consistency shouldn’t be the issue; Biron is a strong goalie.  His workload is the question.  The only other goalie the Flyers have on the roster is Antero Niittymaki.  Niittymaki is a butterfly goalie, reminiscent of Tommy Soderstrom.  He’s not as fast as Soderstrom, so he struggles covering all of the net.  Niittymaki is also playing with a torn labrum, so his own durability is in question.   

The Flyers will be okay if Niittymaki can play 20-25 games, but asking him to split time with Biron is trouble.  The Flyers are going to need Biron to play at least 60 games.  Biron hasn’t played more then 55 games in a season since the 2001-2002 season.  How he holds up could be a concern.   

The Flyers goaltending will definitely be something to monitor as the season progresses.