Bryzgalov shoots for Flyers shutout record

The Flyers are downplaying Ilya Bryzgalov's shot at setting a franchise record for consecutive shutouts Thursday night on Long Island.

"It'd be pretty cool, but at the same time it's just details," center Claude Giroux said after Wednesday's practice in Voorhees. "That kind of record is not really going to get us a Cup, so I think we just want to make sure we keep focus on the things we have to do out there. Our goal is to get better for the playoffs and kind of get on a streak here before the end of the season."

Bryzgalov, 31, could become the first goalie in franchise history to register four straight shutouts - and could set a club record for consecutive scoreless minutes - as the Flyers face the New York Islanders.

"We just want to worry about getting the win," said defenseman Braydon Coburn, who had seven hits and three blocked shots in Tuesday's workmanlike 3-0 victory over New Jersey. He said the Islanders "have a lot of guys that can put the puck in the net, and they're a team we don't take lightly."

Bryzgalov's scoreless streak is at 196 minutes, 13 seconds, and he could break the record - 227:40, set by John Vanbiesbrouck in 1999 - on Thursday. He has stopped 152 of the last 154 shots he has faced, a staggering .987 save percentage. He was given Wednesday off and not available for comment.

"He's in a zone, and he feels confident out there," Giroux said. "You can see off the ice he's a lot of fun, and you see his attitude is unbelievable. Right now, he wants to win, and when you're in the locker room and see that, you want to do the same thing."

On Tuesday, the Flyers allowed just three third-period shots, including one during a four-minute Devils power play. The Flyers held New Jersey to 17 shots, the second-fewest total they have allowed this season.

Matt Carle could not remember a better defensive effort by the team, including the forwards.

"It was a perfect example of a playoff atmosphere against a playoff team," the defenseman said. "It was a good sign for us, having a one-goal lead going into the third period and finishing it off."

Carle said the Islanders - who are fighting to avoid the Eastern Conference basement - are "kind of playing a carefree game now, so it'll be a good test for us to see if we can keep it going."

The Flyers have won six of their last seven games. The only loss during that stretch was with Sergei Bobrovsky in the nets for Sunday's 4-1 defeat in New Jersey. In those six wins, Bryzgalov has allowed a total of five goals.

Bryzgalov has made three starts against the Islanders this season, including one in which he was relieved by Bobrovsky after allowing three first-period goals. He is 1-0-1 against the Isles, with one no-decision, and a 2.48 goals-against average and .882 save percentage.

In one of his outings against the Islanders, Bryzgalov was credited with a shutout but dropped a 1-0 shootout on Feb. 7.

Jagr nominated. Jaromir Jagr, 40, who returned to the NHL this season after playing three years in Russia, was named the Flyers' Masterton nominee by the Philadelphia chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers Association.

The award is given for dedication and perseverance.

A year ago, Ian Laperriere became the third Flyer to win the award. Bobby Clarke and Tim Kerr were previous winners.

Breakaways. Pavel Kubina skated before practice and is still day to day with an upper-body injury. . . . The Flyers play afternoon games against Boston and Pittsburgh this weekend. They are 5-10-1 in games that start before 7 p.m. . . . The Flyers' April 1 game in Pittsburgh was moved from 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. to accommodate NBC. . . . After struggling at home for most of the season, the Flyers have won their last four at the Wells Fargo Center. "I think guys were a little embarrassed by it," Coburn said of the home struggles. . . . Flyers penalty killers have been successful on 22 of the last 24. . . . Justin "Moose" Musciano of Drexel Hill filled in for Bryzgalov at practice Wednesday.