In Better Times: Marty Biron receives congrats from Henrik Lundqvist. He announced his retirement today.

Today, Marty Biron finally came to a tough decision. The affable former Ranger backup goalie announced his retirement. In a tweet earlier today, he made it official.

Martin Biron Verified account

‏@martybiron43

After thinking about it it with my family, I’ve decided to retire as a player and move on to a new chapter. Thank you all for your support.

This doesn’t come as a surprise. I think once Alain Vigneault told him he was on waivers, he knew deep down it was the end. At 36, Biron had a great career. In 16 seasons with the Sabres, Flyers, Islanders and Rangers, he won 230 games posting a 2.61 GAA and .910 save percentage with 28 shutouts in 508 games. His best season came with the Flyers in ’07-08 when he followed up a 30-win season by backstopping the Flyers to the Conference Final. They lost to the Pens. During the run, Biron went 9-8 with a 2.97 GAA, .904 save percentage and one shutout. He also made the Conference Final with the Rangers in 2012 as Henrik Lundqvist’s backup.

After spending a year on the other side of one of hockey’s best rivalries with the Islanders, Biron signed with the Rangers in 2010. In four seasons on Broadway, he provided a dependable backup goalie who Lundqvist could lean on. Not only was he the consummate professional but so well liked that he often gave advice to Ranger shooters before a shootout. I can remember Mats Zuccarello alluding to this once following a great move he pulled off following a win. Biron was the secret weapon.

He won eight games and posted a 2.13 GAA with a .923 save percentage his first season as a Blueshirt (’10-11). Biron followed that up by winning 12 games in ’11-12 while posting a 2.46 GAA, .904 save percentage and two shutouts over 21 games. An invaluable part of a team that won its first Atlantic Division since ’95-96 finishing with the East’s best record. They advanced to the Conference Final before falling in six games to the Devils. In six games last year, he won two games with a 2.32 GAA and .917 save percentage. Unfortunately, after only two appearances, it came to an end. He allowed five goals to the Blues in his only start- a 5-3 loss in St. Louis on Saturday, Oct. 11.

Sometimes, these things happen to good guys. It’s sports. I’ll miss Biron’s personality. He was a guy who kept things loose and answered questions with a smile on his face. An honest sort who should have a bright future in broadcasting. I can’t wait for the day he’s interviewing players. In one final tweet half an hour ago, he said:

“I wanna thank players, coaches, reporters, friends and mostly all the fans for their great support by emails, text and tweets today. MERCI!!”

Thank you Marty Biron. And good luck in the next chapter in your life.