A Flyers team without a goalie controversy is like Philly without any cheesestakes. For some reason it just works out that way every couple years or so for the Flyers. So this year is the Flyer’s number 1 goalie Robert Esche or Antero Niittymaki?
Well so far, if you look at the playing time Ken Hitchcock has given both, when both are available Robert Esche is #1. Niittymaki has played more games, 8 more, but that would not be the case if Esche did not have the groin injury. Given that Esche took the Flyers within one game of going to the cup last season it is understandable that Hitchcock wants to give him every chance to stay #1.
Niittymaki’s play last year with the Phantoms, winning the Calder Cup and being named MVP did allow him some playing time this year with the Flyers. Both goaltenders would alternate between games, with Esche getting the majority of starts. But then Esche injured and then reinjured his groin. This gave Nitty a long stretch of starts that he just didn’t lose.
The goalie controversy questions didn’t start until after the Olympics. Niittymaki who has really been under the radar started to get some the respect he deserved. He went 5-1 with 3 shutouts a 1.34gaa and save percentage of .951. He led Finland to a silver medal and was also named tournament MVP. On the other side Robert Esche played one game gave up 5 goals on 21 shots in a loss for Team USA. So Niitty was obviously a better goaltender during the Olympics.
So now there is controversy. Looking at the regular season stats, Niitty is still better.
He has 2 shutouts a 2.95gaa and .896save %. Compared with 3.15gaa, .892save % and no shutouts for Esche. So Niitty should be the #1 guy right? Well, not yet. Unless Niitty plays outstanding and Esche falls apart If Esche plays well then he will get run in the playoffs, if not then Niitty will.
One thing that is missing from a good goalie controversy is some good strong testosterone. One goalie demanding more playing over the other, it just isn’t happening.
Here is what Esche has said recently of the goalie controversy.
“I know that you guys are dying for there to be the goalie controversy of old. But I think I’ve done a reasonable job with that for the last bunch of years. The main reason, I think the more you guys get to know me and understand me, is I really don’t care. I just want to win.”
Sounds like a guy that wouldn’t fume sitting on the bench if the end result was a win.
Then you have Niitty who I tend to think of as the reluctant or bashful goaltender. He has been ‘yelled at’ (not really yelled at) by teammates in the past for not taking credit for playing great games.
Over at ESPN.com in John Buccigross’s Mailbag, Jame Baskow of Philly writes –
With Antero Nittymaki’s recent success in the Olympics, do the Philadelphia Flyers have the best goaltender tandem in the NHL? In addition, I would like to add that the Flyers are developing another good goaltender in their farm system, and if he plays up to the high expectations, the Flyers could have the best goalies in the NHL for years to come.
Buccigross responds with this …
I think Nittymaki’s play has convinced the Flyers they have no need to upgrade their goaltending. Nittymaki won a Calder Cup last spring and almost won an Olympic gold. The Flyers need to get healthy and play a little better defensively. They have the roster to win the Stanley Cup. The Flyers have five games in eight days to start their post-Olympic break, so getting through that will be an early test.
I have to agree with him. I do think though that Jamey should remember the recent pass with goaltenders in Philly. Good one year, so-so the next, out after that. Boucher and Cechmanek should come to mind.
So to answer a question asked on The Puck Stops Here, Will the Flyers have a goalie controversy as they head down the stretch run?
In the media’s eyes there will be controversy. Heck, they both might split goaltending duties in the playoffs which will send the media into a frenzy. But as far as the Flyers go nope, no controversy, just like every other year.
24 games left, we know Esche starts tonight and Niitty tomorrow night. I don’t think we will know for sure who the #1 will be, if he is chosen until the second week in April.
Hey Guys,
It seems a bit rediculous that there should even be a goalie controversy in Philadelphia. I understand how Esche has made nice friends during his time with the Flyers, and it may be hard for people to break him the news that he needs to hear.
The fact is, Niittymaki is the better goaltender, and should be #1 by a mile. As stated in the article above, Niitty’s record is better in the regular season, and the olympics it was much better. Hitchcock says, “we’ll see how he plays over here, the rink is a lot bigger over there.” (Torino) We have seen how he plays. Yes, it takes Esche being injured to finally get Niitty in there, but look what he accomplished. We were undefeated in 8 games during that road trip. Niittymaki was at a 2.25 GAA until those last leg games against Detroit, and then against Tampa Bay at home. The fact is that the only time he’s been beaten signifigantly was during those games. Hithcock feels Antero is young and in-experienced. Even though he’s a rookie, Niitty’s only three years younger than Esche. He is a proven champion in the AHL, and in the Olympics. Also, Niittymaki was the Most Valuable Player both times, how incredible is that? So, who would you want to represent the Flyers during the Cup run? Esche is ok, but he gives up an awful lot of rebounds. He always seems jaded and nervous between the pipes. As far as Niittymaki goes, we need to appreciate what a phenom this guy is capable of becoming. If not this year, he will be our goalie in the future. So, if nothing else, we would want to start his maturation process now. And, finally, we aren’t risking a championship by playing Niitty, we could however, put orselves in position for the Cup by doing so.