I agree with you on the "in spite of" comment. He's likely going to have to play otherworldly for them to win a Cup.

But I do agree with the mediocre characterization (with the belief that "average" was the intended meaning). If you look at his numbers outside of his Dave Tippet years, they're rather consistent and consistently average to below-average.
- bradleyc4

That's fair. Bryzgalov gave up a lot of "soft" goals last season. If he can manage to limit those his numbers will be much better this year (if they play).

I'm more inclined to accept 'average' than 'mediocre' (I care about connotation), but I think he's at least a little better than that. I'll admit this might be a case of 'orange tinted glasses'.

Anyway, my beef was primarily with the 'in spite of' part.
- BulliesPhan87

Flyers will have no chance to win a cup unless he plays above average.

I agree with you on the "in spite of" comment. He's likely going to have to play otherworldly for them to win a Cup.

But I do agree with the mediocre characterization (with the belief that "average" was the intended meaning). If you look at his numbers outside of his Dave Tippet years, they're rather consistent and consistently average to below-average.
- bradleyc4

In no way are these "excuses" for his inconsistency, however:

Huge market
A backup that took starts away from him
Lots of pressure to succeed
Media attention
HBO Cameras
Transition year
Getting comfortable with a system that is not defense oriented

This all may be contributing factors as to why he struggled last season. Hell, it IS Philly...he might have even been injured!!

Point is, I'm still a Bryz believer, because he is a hell of a goalie. We saw it the last 3 years in the desert and I think he played the best hockey I've ever seen a goalie play ever for any team in this past March (I may be showing my age here....or lack thereof). I have a hard time believing that he'll just plummet to below average all of a sudden. Stuff like that just doesn't usually happen after extended success.

What I do believe, though, is that most of these "factors" that may have or actually have played a roll in his diminished play last season are DISTRACTIONS.

My theory? If he can learn to handle those distractions, I think he'll put up solid numbers.

He's used to the players, more comfortable in the system, and has a year under the media and pressure of Philly under his belt. Am I saying to put him on a leash? No. Did I say give him a muzzle? No. Because I believe he should do whatever it takes to cope with those distractions.

If that means he needs to be quirky, so be it. He can drink some Russian Vodka before a game for all I care. He just needs to find his niche.

I sincerely think we're all going to be pleasantly surprised by Bryzgalov this season.

Flyers will have no chance to win a cup unless he plays above average.
- stveshdy

I can agree with this. Fortunately, we saw he's not incapable of elevating his game.

In no way are these "excuses" for his inconsistency, however:

Huge market
A backup that took starts away from him
Lots of pressure to succeed
Media attention
HBO Cameras
Transition year
Getting comfortable with a system that is not defense oriented

This all may be contributing factors as to why he struggled last season. Hell, it IS Philly...he might have even been injured!!

Point is, I'm still a Bryz believer, because he is a hell of a goalie. We saw it the last 3 years in the desert and I think he played the best hockey I've ever seen a goalie play ever for any team in this past March (I may be showing my age here....or lack thereof). I have a hard time believing that he'll just plummet to below average all of a sudden. Stuff like that just doesn't usually happen after extended success.

What I do believe, though, is that most of these "factors" that may have or actually have played a roll in his diminished play last season are DISTRACTIONS.

My theory? If he can learn to handle those distractions, I think he'll put up solid numbers.

He's used to the players, more comfortable in the system, and has a year under the media and pressure of Philly under his belt. Am I saying to put him on a leash? No. Did I say give him a muzzle? No. Because I believe he should do whatever it takes to cope with those distractions.

If that means he needs to be quirky, so be it. He can drink some Russian Vodka before a game for all I care. He just needs to find his niche.

I sincerely think we're all going to be pleasantly surprised by Bryzgalov this season.
- Giroux_Is_God

I agree with a lot you posted but I think its fair to say that Bryzgalov didn't play up to expectations. The GM stated that himself during his press conference at seasons end.

I can agree with this. Fortunately, we saw he's not incapable of elevating his game.
- BulliesPhan87

Bryz was playing excellent in the second half of the season and then the foot injury happened. I still believe he was playing hurt and that had an impact on his game during the playoffs. Bryz needs to limit the "soft/easy" goals and he will put up very good numbers.

I agree with a lot you posted but I think its fair to say that Bryzgalov didn't play up to expectations. The GM stated that himself during his press conference at seasons end.
- stveshdy

I agree wholeheartedly.

I think we can all say- hater or not- that Bryz most definitely did not play up to expectations.

So how soon do we get the bad news today?

NHLPA: we made a counter with the intention to bargain a fair deal.

NHL: we gave them our best offer, we think it's a fair deal.

NHLPA: They've decided not to negotiate off their previous offer so no new meetings are schedule.

NHL: a 50/50 split is as far as we can go. There has to be some Shared Sacrifice.

NHLPA: the NHL wants the players to sacrifice but what are they offering back?

NHL: there's a beautiful pasture we've provided with plenty of hay for they to eat... I mean, it's a 50/50 split. SHARED SACRIFICE!! SHARED SACRIFICE!!! yeah... shared sacrifice, that's the ticket.

I agree wholeheartedly.

I think we can all say- hater or not- that Bryz most definitely did not play up to expectations.
- Giroux_Is_God

I dont think he was terrible but I also dont think he was outstanding either. The Flyers paid a lot of money for him so they need him to be above average more often than not. Sometimes the defense left him out to dry and other times he just let in some soft goals. All these issues can be fixed and hopefully he will be much better this year.

I dont think he was terrible but I also dont think he was outstanding either. The Flyers paid a lot of money for him so they need him to be above average more often than not. Sometimes the defense left him out to dry and other times he just let in some soft goals. All these issues can be fixed and hopefully he will be much better this year.
- stveshdy

In about 5 hours you'll be saying next season.

In about 5 hours you'll be saying next season.
- mayorofangrytown

I think a deal gets done by Dec. 1st

I dont think he was terrible but I also dont think he was outstanding either. The Flyers paid a lot of money for him so they need him to be above average more often than not. Sometimes the defense left him out to dry and other times he just let in some soft goals. All these issues can be fixed and hopefully he will be much better this year.
- stveshdy

We, Sir, are on the same page

I think a deal gets done by Dec. 1st
- stveshdy

I see Thanksgiving as a benchmark. Just a hunch.

Either we see NHL hockey being played around that time, or we see a deal get done. Give or take a week.

Again, going off nothing but a hunch.

I see Thanksgiving as a benchmark. Just a hunch.

Either we see NHL hockey being played around that time, or we see a deal get done. Give or take a week.

Again, going off nothing but a hunch.


- Giroux_Is_God

I need something to watch during the week. I would love for a deal to get done ASAP but it seems that neither side is ready to make a serious offer. Right now its being played like a chess match. Just get into a room and come to an agreement (meet in the middle).

Saw Coach Laviolette at the Skate Zone last night. He seemed happy with Bryz....




















being on another continent.

I can agree with this. Fortunately, we saw he's not incapable of elevating his game.
- BulliesPhan87

I don't think he'd get as much criticism if he wasn't signed to a 9 year deal. That places a bulls eye on him before he even put on a flyers jersey.

I don't think he'd get as much criticism if he wasn't signed to a 9 year deal. That places a bulls eye on him before he even put on a flyers jersey.
- funmaster18

No question about it. Years and money are a huge factor. He has to be better in net and limit the easy goals.

No question about it. Years and money are a huge factor. He has to be better in net and limit the easy goals.
- stveshdy

Hopefully we get a chance to see him do that this year. As of now, I'm not too optimistic.

Hopefully we get a chance to see him do that this year. As of now, I'm not too optimistic.
- funmaster18

A deal will get done. I am just wondering how much time the team will have to get ready for the season once an agreement does happen.

So how soon do we get the bad news today?

NHLPA: we made a counter with the intention to bargain a fair deal.

NHL: we gave them our best offer, we think it's a fair deal.

NHLPA: They've decided not to negotiate off their previous offer so no new meetings are schedule.

NHL: a 50/50 split is as far as we can go. There has to be some Shared Sacrifice.

NHLPA: the NHL wants the players to sacrifice but what are they offering back?

NHL: there's a beautiful pasture we've provided with plenty of hay for they to eat... I mean, it's a 50/50 split. SHARED SACRIFICE!! SHARED SACRIFICE!!! yeah... shared sacrifice, that's the ticket.
- mayorofangrytown

Whatever happened to the Cost Certainty the league clamored for -- and supposedly received -- in 2005?

I don't think he'd get as much criticism if he wasn't signed to a 9 year deal. That places a bulls eye on him before he even put on a flyers jersey.
- funmaster18

Well yeah, I don't think it was unfair for fans to have lofty expectations considering his elite paygrade. At that salary, he ought to be a difference maker.

Well yeah, I don't think it was unfair for fans to have lofty expectations considering his elite paygrade. At that salary, he ought to be a difference maker.
- BulliesPhan87

Hard to argue against that. I know the defense gets ripped also b/c they weren't very good either but you expect Bryz to help clean up those mistakes. Will he be perfect and stop everything? No, but you would like to see him be a difference maker and make it tough for the opponents.

A deal will get done. I am just wondering how much time the team will have to get ready for the season once an agreement does happen.
- stveshdy

What makes you so sure a deal will get done? Just wondering where you're coming from.

Well yeah, I don't think it was unfair for fans to have lofty expectations considering his elite paygrade. At that salary, he ought to be a difference maker.
- BulliesPhan87

Should be. I think we will always see inconsistent goaltending with him. But hopefully I'm wrong.

What makes you so sure a deal will get done? Just wondering where you're coming from.
- funmaster18

Just an opinion. Have no facts, evidence, or news to back it up. Going on "gut" feeling. I can't see the NHL losing an entire season again.