Friday, January 19, 2007

PHILADELPHIA
What does it say about the Flyers' confidence in Robert Esche when Antero Niittymaki makes his third consecutive start in an attempt to end a personal 13-game losing streak?

What does it say about the future of Esche when the Flyers claim 25-year-old goaltender Michael Leighton of waivers and keep him on their roster?

"It's not an ideal situation, but you've got to make it work and that's what I'm trying to do," Esche said after learning Niittymaki would start against the New York Islanders Thursday night.

This has been Esche's most trying season since joining the Flyers as Roman Cechmanek's backup in 2002.

He began the season as Niittymaki's backup, suffered an adductor injury in late November that sidelined him a month, and has started only 12 of the 33 games he has dressed.

Now, Esche spends practices alternating with Leighton at one end of the ice while Niittymaki gets full practices at the other.

In past seasons, Esche might have stormed the head coach's office or brooded in his locker stall over his lack of playing time. This season, despite trade rumors swirling around him, he's kept his cool and his opinions under wraps.

Esche said he does not see the addition of Leighton as his ticket out of town. He said the Flyers simply took advantage of the fact Leighton was available and would have been foolish to let him go.

"I think (adding Leighton) is for security and I've got to just do my job," Esche said.

"Besides, it's not as easy as you might think to trade a goalie. You almost always have to take one back. We've gone through a lot here this season and I don't think they're going to just start dumping people off."

Forsberg milestone: With his assist on Simon Gagne's goal in the second period Thursday night, Flyers center Peter Forsberg reached career assist No. 600. Forsberg is the 70th player in NHL history to reach the mark.

Forsberg has 243 goals and 600 assists for 843 points in 670 regular-season games over 12 NHL seasons with Quebec, Colorado and the Flyers.

Forsberg is fourth on the NHL's all-time list for assists-per-game, averaging .90 assists per game in 670 games.

Forsberg became the fifth player to reach 600 assists in a Flyers jersey, joining Bobby Clarke, Darryl Sittler, Mark Recchi and Jeremy Roenick.

Loose pucks: Jason Blake's second-period goal snapped a seven-game goal-less drought. Blake entered the game leading the Islanders in goals (23) and points (42). . . .

The Flyers will honor former captain Keith Primeau before their Feb. 12 game against the Detroit Red Wings. Primeau began his NHL career in Detroit. . . .

The Ontario Hockey League announced Thursday that Flyers prospect Steve Downie has been selected to participate in the All-Star Classic as a part of the Western Conference team.

In 30 games for the Peterborough Petes and Kitchener Rangers this season, Downie is averaging better than two points per game with 24 goals and 61 points. . . .

The Flyers have named Sylvester Stallone as honorary chair of the 30th anniversary Flyers Wives Fight for Lives Carnival on Feb. 25. Stallone is also celebrating the 30th anniversary of the first Rocky Movie.

-- Chuck Gormley