Thank You, Marty: A Proper Farewell to Another Flyers Goalie

Marty Biron signed a one-year deal with the New York Islanders this week. As a Flyers fan, it's time for what's become a tradition, to say goodbye to another starting goalie. You join a long distinguished list, Marty.

If you need any insight into that list, ask your new GM Garth Snow; he was the savior for a season or two.

When your cleaning out your locker, take a minute to sit with Brian Boucher. He was the next Bernie Parent for a few weeks.

John Vanbiesbrouck, Sean Burke, Robert Esche, and even Roman Cechmanek were all considering the "final" piece to winning a cup in Philly at some point while they were here.

And then they weren't. A bad goal or a horrible playoff series, and that was the end of their respective careers as starting goaltenders in Philadelphia.

You'll have to excuse me, as I've grown numb from the repeated blows to my fandom over the years. When we needed it the most, our goalie let us down. But not you Marty, and in time maybe you can be welcomed back like this guy.

Ron Hextall returned to the orange and black after a stint with the Isles. Could you follow him if Ray Emery falters? Time and two one-year deals will tell.

Through that rough exterior, we have hearts bigger than the national media will ever know.

I present exhibit A.

Now I know this comparison is REALLY stretching it, but I liked Marty. The Flyers' playoff failures were not his fault like past goalies. In retrospect, he stole the series against Montreal two years ago.

I'm only showing my appreciation to Mr. Biron. In the past we have watched netminders leave without a second thought, but I felt Marty deserved better than that. When you arrived you stabilized the space between the pipes. It's a shame your contributions will largely go unrecognized.

So I offer this little article to say thanks.