So far, Bryz not the answer
The Philadelphia Inquirer Blog - Flyers Report: Broad Street Bull
So far, Bryz not the answer
Sam Carchidi, Inquirer Staff Writer
DENVER _ When the Flyers signed colorful Ilya Bryzgalov to a nine-year, $51 million deal in the summer, their goalie problems _ which had lasted more than two decades _ were supposedly settled.
It hasn't happened.
Bryzgalov, 31, has had some impressive streaks, going 5-0-1 with a 1.66 GAA average in one stretch, and winning six straight until he was shelled by Boston on Saturday.
But, overall, he has been surprisingly inconsistent.
Bryzgalov is 14-6-1 with a 2.92 goals-against average and .896 save percentage. Backup Sergei Bobrovsky is 6-2-1 with a 2.72 GAA and .908 save percentage.
The Flyers are tied with Boston for the most points in the Eastern Conference, but with so many injuries cropping up, they need Bryzgalov to start resembling the star goalie who played in Phoenix.
The Flyers are eighth in the 30-team NHL, allowing 2.90 goals per game. A year ago, with Bobrovsky and Brian Boucher handling most of the workload, they were 11th in the league with a 2.63 GAA.
* * *
Still waiting for an update on roookie center Sean Couturier, who was hit in the helmet by Kimmo Timonen's shot on Saturday and left the game with a head injury.
The Flyers recalled center Ben Holmstrom and defenseman Andreas Lilja from the Phantoms. Holmstrom's recall seems to indicate that Couturier will miss some time.
Claude Giroux made the trip to Denver.
* * *
Milan Lucic will have a hearing with NHL disciplinary czar Brendan Shanahan on Sunday for his hit on the Flyers' Zac Rinaldo on Saturday.
* * *
Follow Sam Carchidi on Twitter @BroadStBull.
* * *
Get exclusive videos and analysis in our new app for iPhone and Android. Download it here.
Obviously Bryz hasn't been quite as advertised, but I'm sure he'll settle in. And from watching, it doesn't seem like he lets in many soft goals. A lot of bad screens/deflections seems to be eating him up. His fortunes will change. Aside from the Boston game, which was a train wreck for everyone, not just Bryz, he's been playing well lately.— vvvmetallicavvv- Flyers overpaid for him. $51 mil. wow!— mikemaddog
- Bryz has had plenty of time to settle in,face it he is not what the Flyers wanted or are paying for and he never will be,watch his posture and his reaction to shots plays ,he sees nothing in front of him ,not much in the hockey sences dept,Sorry.Bob should take over as #1 he is better ,faster and sees the game in front of him.Hopfully some other team will trade with us to get rid of him.— Gullysflyers
- I agree with you but I don't think they will trade him away. If anyone gets traded it will be Bob unfortunately, probably for a decent D-man. I don't think anyone would take Bryz and his contract especially with his play of late. I think they Flyers overpaid for him big time and should have given Bob a chance to be a starter this year. Hopefully I am wrong though and Bryz turns it around and stuns us all. If he doesn't then Bob should get more games. — Fir_Na_Tine
- Bryz certainly was inconsistent thus far, but I am sure he will acclimatize sooner or later. The Flyers play much more offensively than Phoenix and there is a lot more pressure on him in Philly. He is a smart guy and will make the necessary adjustments. It would be outright stupid to already throw him under the bus after only a few rollercoaster weeks of play. Yesterday he didn't let in any softies, the whole team was simply overwhelmed by the big bad Bruins.— flyerdommo
- Not sure where everyone is getting "inconsistent". He's been consistently bad. Look at his numbers. The only reason the Flyers are in first place is because or their scoring, take some goals away and the record is not too hot.— n62
- I credit the Flyers for finally acting on what we all knew has been their problem since 1988. They picked the best guy available and then overpaid him to get him in. He's a quote machine, but I want my goaltenders to have more poise. His comments and demeanor at times shows me he is not a confident person, which is a problem at that position.
As for Bob, the guy has never had a shut out. I know you don't always have to blank your opponent to be good but one would think he would have a shut out by now,— eres - He'll be ok...it is tough going from a town where they can care less about hockey to a town where hockey is a passion and the goalie has been to subject of debate since Bernie Parent retired.— Joseph Evans
- Flyers nearly won a Cup with Boucher and Leighton 2 years ago. I think Bryz and Bob are an upgrade and will be fine.— zeke128
- Bob for President.— rockinrob
- Really??? The Flyers have how many new faces on the team? (Bryz included) How many injuries?? They're in FIRST place, tied with the Bruins in points for the East lead, and Claude Giroux is looking like the next NHL superstar. What the f**k else do you want at this point?!?! GO FLYERS!!!!!!!— Gofahqurself
- Would we rather have another Cechmanek, great stats but no clutch?— Pelti
- Bryzgalov another stupid signing..I think the Flyers should sign Andy Reid as a goalie when the Eagles finally dump him..You plop him in front of the net and I guarantee you no pucks will find there way through that mass of flesh...;)~— TheRod
- Bryz was ALL Ed Sniders doing. Sure Bryz had great REGULAR season numbers with Phoenix. Cechmanek did when he was in Philly too. They are the same type of goalie....regular season wonders but mentally fragile and their weakness shows up most when the pressure is on. I hated the thought of this signing long before it happened. Ive always said, and will say it again.....the Flyers will NEVER win a cup with Ed Snider in control.— Big D phillies fan
- Uh, big Dork I believe the Flyers have 2 cups under Snyder. — Klambake
