The Fabulous Finn On Fire!

Niitty is a man on fire right now

Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Antero Niittymaki made 39 saves on Tuesday against the Vancouver Canucks to lead the Lightning to a 3-1 win. The Turku, Finland native stopped all but one of Vancouver’s shots. The lone goal scored by Vancouver came in the second period by Ryan Kesler. The Lightning defense again provided little support as the Bolts were outshot 40-19. Yes, 40-19!

Goalies rarely are this hot. He’s won four straight starts and seven of his last eight (with one overtime loss) to improve his season record to 16-9-5. He has struggled some on the road going 6-6 with a 3.03 GAA and an .872 save percentage. At the St. Pete Times Forum he has been nearly unbeatable going 10-3 with a 1.70 GAA, a .954 save percentage and a shutout. All this at a very affordable $600,000 salary.

The knock on Niitty has always been his lack of consistency. He was almost unbeatable in the short 2006 Olympic tournament where he led Finland to the silver medal and was named tournament MVP. Can he remain solid in for the long term? It’s the reason the Flyers gave up on him. Although 62-61-23 overall, Niittymaki was 15-8-8 with a 2.76 GAA last year for Philadelphia.

In my opinion, injuries are the only thing that has held the 29 year old

A place of strength for the Lightning.

netminder back. Coach Rick Tocchet is certainly aware of his twice surgically repaired hip. He may not be able to handle a number one’s share of games played. Forget those who would have goalie Mike Smith sent off to another team before the trade deadline. Tocchet should enjoy the luxury of having two solid performers between the pipes.

It should be another opportunity for Niitty on Thursday night at home against the Boston Bruins.