A Conundrum Surrounds Martin Biron

Dependable back-up goaltenders are just as important to have as a quality starter. Scott Clemmensen posted 25 victories when Martin Brodeur was recuperating from a torn distal biceps tendon.

If Tomas Vokoun was struggling in Florida, Craig Anderson stepped in to back-stop the Panthers strongly. Jonas Hiller and Simeon Varlamov both steered their clubs to Conference Semi-Final postseason appearances while veterans Jose Theodore and J.S Giguere looked on feeling almost helpless.

Buffalo had one of the league’s finest one-two punches in Ryan Miller and Martin Biron for a few seasons. As the back-up, the Quebec native felt he deserved more playing time which was inevitably ahead after it was proclaimed that Miller would be the Sabres’ main man.

What's next for Martin Biron? (Photo courtesy of Tim Shahan/ Flikr.)

It was following the lock-out when he began to receive attention. He posted a 21-8 record and at one point, earned 11 consecutive victories in matches as a starter while Miller was nursing an injury.

Next season, he would win 12 of 17 starts in Buffalo amassing consideration from numerous teams. A job as a starting net minder was within shouting distance and Biron knew that.

His wish would become reality in February of 2007 as Philadelphia traded for his rights. Added responsibility is introduced as you move up the food chain in any business.

The 31-year-old has posted 59 wins in two seasons with the Flyers but it’s his playoff acumen that’s caused worry. Philadelphia has been eliminated by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the previous two playoff schedules.

Outscored 11-3 in the series deciding games, Biron has looked shaky during the most crucial segments. Who will forget the routine shot that snuck out of his glove just as Sidney Crosby was in the vicinity to bat it out of the air?

Ray Emery’s arrival makes it abundantly clear that the management is having second thoughts about who the undisputed first choice is. Wild cards Antero Niittymaki and Robert Esche remain on Paul Holmgren’s radar as the Philadelphia General Manager stated just under three weeks ago.

When asked if Biron is still in the picture, he mentioned that the terms and number are still unknown regarding salary. Holmgren concluded by stating, “The window is closing”.

Philadelphia made its first free agent signing July 1st inking Brian Boucher from San Jose to a two-year $1.85 million dollar contract. This will be his second tour of duty with the Flyers as he began his career there in 1999.

Acquiring another goaltender has likely sealed Biron’s time in the City of Brotherly Love and his exit is upon us. Nikolai Khabibulin, Dwayne Roloson, Craig Anderson, Scott Clemmensen and Ty Conklin have all signed multi-year deals with new squads.

If a similar offer is thrown his way, he will undoubtedly receive a legitimate opportunity to be the No.1 goaltender because he has what it takes for such a position. Can he lead a team to the Stanley Cup on the other hand?

The number of starting positions available has deteriorated quickly with free agent signings and Biron’s window is closing there as well.

While he has fantastic poise usually, the cockiness, agility and cool mindset have crashed in the playoffs. A starting position is harder to keep than it is to attain in some instances and a suitable back-up has its precious value especially when the calendar hits April.

That may be the role that co-operates preferably with him at this juncture in his career.  Rotation is never a frowned upon strategy when struggles take place.

Martin Biron’s play as a second-choice goalkeeper was superb from his time with the Buffalo Sabres.

We’ve yet to see it duplicated as a starter in the postseason and who knows if his next shot will come in the near future with the supply of goaltenders easily eclipsing the demand.

Posted by Rafal Ladysz on Jul 7 2009. Filed under Atlantic, Buffalo Sabres, Eastern Conference, Northeast, Philadelphia Flyers. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.