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Thursday, December 9, 1999
Biron making most of chance
BUFFALO -- Martin Biron had been told to be patient and his time would come.
He just never expected it would arrive so soon.
After two years in the AHL, Biron was finally going to get the opportunity to play in the NHL. But with just one catch -- he would be filling in for Dominik Hasek, the best in the business.
"They're big shoes to fill," Biron said before last night's scoreless tie with the Ottawa Senators. "If I can do at least half of what he does, then that's pretty good."
Biron, a former Hull Olympique, currently leads all rookie goaltenders in wins (nine) and games played (15). But he caught a number of people's attention when he helped lead the Sabres to four straight victories right after the team lost Hasek indefinitely.
Biron's hot streak made him the first Sabres goaltender, other than Hasek, to win four straight games since Tom Barrasso in the 1987-88 season.
"He might have surprised a lot of people outside the organization, but we saw what he could do in training camp," said Sabres captain Mike Peca. "Playing in front of him, we're able to feed off his confidence."
Biron admits he wasn't sure if he was ready for the NHL when he got the call, but said you have to make the most of your opportunities.
"When I first started, I felt like I was fighting the puck ... my timing was a second or two off," he said. "Right now, I feel really good, very comfortable on the ice."
Biron knows his time could be limited. Once Hasek makes his return, the Sabres will have the choice of sending Dwayne Roloson or Biron back to the minors. The Quebec native wants to prove he deserves to stay.
Getting the call from the Sabres allowed Biron the opportunity of a lifetime -- to play against his older brother, Mathieu, who plays for the New York Islanders.
"When we were kids, we never played against each other competitively," Biron said. "It was very special."
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