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NO moves for Flyers at deadline |
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Flyers confirm no deals for them today ... more later
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When Alex Tanguay scored on that undeserved penalty shot, you had to think a great Flyer comeback was all wasted.
All the hard work, the momentum and then poof! Gone.
But as we've seen so many times this season, when the Flyers decide to get back into games, there is no lead they can't overcome.
And in some case, no mistakes.
Ilya Bryzgalov went from proverbial goat to hero Saturday night. Two horrific Mr. Softees at the game's start were all erased a comeback that he played a huge part in with 4 saves in the shootout.
I really like Bryz as a person. Those of us who cover the team, enjoy his wit. Which is why I'm hoping - though not convinced _ that this 5-4 shootout win against the Flames will finally turn things around for Bryzgalov.
The Flyers have patiently waited for months for him to get his act together. You talk to players who been around generations and they often say that sometimes, all it takes to turn a season around is a single game or moment on the ice when a player finds that confidence.
Maybe Bryz found it Saturday night at the Scotiabank Saddledome. I hope so because, for better or worse, the Flyers entire playoff hopes rest with him.
“He battled through it and was able to put it behind him,” goalie guru Jeff Reese said of Bryz. “He made some big saves and was great for us in the shootout. That is going to be a big confidence booster for him.”
Bryz is now 1-4 in shootouts. He stoned 4 of 5 shooters _ a season-high for him after just 3 previous saves among 4 other games.
For the second straight game, he would not talk to any media, local or national, even though he was very good when it really counted as the game progressed.
You see a lot of relief on faces in the dressing room because everyone knows how much these shootouts play on Bryz's mind.
“It’s huge, just huge,” Max Talbot told me. “It’s not like they were easy shootout attempts. He definitely made huge saves.”
Talbot even gave a shout out to Bryz as he motored past a waiting line of reporters.
“I’m talking about you Bryz – I’m pumping your tires,” Talbot yelled. “This is great for the whole team. Another come-from-behind win and it’s great for Bryz’s confidence because we all know he’s a great goalie. We’ve seen that. That was a big one for us.”
The Flyers are 2-1 on this road trip and are looking to add one more win at San Jose on Tuesday.
The team stayed over here in icy - very icy, actually - Calgary and will leave late Sunday morning for California.
Everyone one is hoping that when they board that plane and leave Alberta, Bryzgalov will leave behind the ghosts that have plagued him in net and start anew during the stretch run.
“Bryz got better and stronger and made some saves for us,” coach Peter Laviolette said. “In the shootout, he kept us in there and gave us an opportunity. It was a pretty good team win.”
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Not hearing anything on the trade front regarding the Flyers as we head into Monday's deadline and I have spoken to a half dozen scouts, GMs, etc.
Consensus among Flyer scouts is they are done unless a minor deal can be had without losing a core player.
All the more reason why it comes down to Bryz from here on.
Philadelphia Flyers Blogger • 
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