In 2003-2004, Niittymaki finished fifth in the league in wins (24), tied for fifth with a club-record seven shutouts, and ninth in goals-against average (2.02).
Antero's stellar play earned him a callup by the Flyers. He shined on the NHL stage in his first major league action since being selected by Philadelphia in the sixth round (168th overall) of the 1998 NHL Entry Draft.
Niittymaki won all three games that he started, while posting a 1.00 goals-against average and a .961 save percentage.
Back in the AHL, Antero has continued his impressive play during the 2004-05 season. He has won 14 of his 26 starts for the Phantoms. His 1.95 goals-against average ranks fourth best in the league.
“He has a quick glove, great reflexes and has worked hard to improve since his rookie season,” said one source. “He has made a nice transition to the North American game and seems ready to give it a go at the next level.”
Niittymaki will have a shot at making the squad on the other side of town.
He will have to make the most of it: Niittymaki's years in the minors, and his age can be viewed as liabilities for a goalie. If he doesn't make the cut in 2006, he may be find himself competing for his AAA job with younger guys aiming to send him down to Class-AA. Next year would also be Niitymaki's last last year of eligibility for the FAB50™.
