VOORHEES, N.J. - Despite his late-season struggles, Robert Esche will be Philadelphia's starting goaltender in the playoffs.
Esche beat out Sean Burke for the job, and will play against Martin Brodeur and the defending Stanley Cup champion Devils in the first round. Game 1 of the best-of-seven Eastern Conference quarterfinal series is Thursday in Philadelphia.
"I'm excited. I've looked forward to it all year," Esche said Monday. "I can't wait to see when I get in the playoffs."
Esche hasn't started a playoff game in his five seasons. He was 21-11-7 with three shutouts, a 2.04 goals-against average and a .915 save percentage in 40 games this season. Esche missed 11 games with a knee injury in February and shared duties early in the season with Jeff Hackett, who has since retired because of vertigo.
Since March 11, Esche was 2-4-2 and allowed at least five goals on long shots. Burke is 6-5-2 with the Flyers since being acquired from Phoenix on Feb.9.
"We just felt that based on his season, he's earned the right to start," coach Ken Hitchcock said. "We have two competent goalies that we trust, but we really feel strongly that Robert deserves a chance to play in the playoffs."
AVALANCHE: Forward Paul Kariya will be out indefinitely after spraining his ankle Sunday against Nashville. Kariya played only 51 regular-season games, finishing with 11 goals and 25 assists.
WILD: Defenseman Zbynek Michalek, left wing Stephane Veilleux and center Rickard Wallin were assigned to AHL Houston.
HONORS: Toronto goalie Ed Belfour was named league defensive player of the week and Washington center Jeff Halpern earned the offensive award.
