Thank you for watching Illya Bryzgalov dominate the Caps on Comcast Sportsnet!
- 2Real

Ride the Tiger...

I have to admit, I went from super happy with Laviolette, to pissed, to happy again. I truly believe he should run with players with good hands in the shootout (Read, Voracek, Briere, Giroux) but Simmonds was the right call tonight. I guess the 10th time had to be a charm. I love Simmonds but Laviolette must be seeing something we're not in practice when it comes to the shootout.
- roenick97

Just to ask a question, if Simmonds hadn't of scored, what would you have said about the choice?

Ride the Tiger...
- stveshdy

wolf pack power!

Bryz gets the team another 2 points, he has been tremedous. Hendricks on the shootout, wow, that was some combination of moves.

Just to ask a question, if Simmonds hadn't of scored, what would you have said about the choice?
- MJL

You know the answer to that question. Terrible choice.

Just to ask a question, if Simmonds hadn't of scored, what would you have said about the choice?
- MJL

i dunno? a lot of curse words? but we won so who cares!

Bryz gets the team another 2 points, he has been tremedous. Hendricks on the shootout, wow, that was some combination of moves.
- ravishingone

if i was bryzgalov i would have just been laughing at myself how bad i got faked out

I have to admit, I went from super happy with Laviolette, to pissed, to happy again. I truly believe he should run with players with good hands in the shootout (Read, Voracek, Briere, Giroux) but Simmonds was the right call tonight. I guess the 10th time had to be a charm. I love Simmonds but Laviolette must be seeing something we're not in practice when it comes to the shootout.
- roenick97

Lava might just be rewarding Simmonds for his consistent hard work. Dude gives a 100% effort every night.

Pens 5-1 over Nashville tonight Are we just wasting our time....they are a legitamite machine at this point

Nice low scoring playoff style game through OT. Glad they won the gimmick. Sure was hoping Nashville would help out against Pitt, but the Pens smoked them. Other teams have to start looking at the Flyers blueprint for beating the Pens:

Just to ask a question, if Simmonds hadn't of scored, what would you have said about the choice?
- MJL

I would have said it was a stupid idea to place Simmonds out there considering he hasn't scored in the shootout all season long. I'll say it again, I firmly believe he should run with players with really good has, like the players I've named. We got the win, so why wouldn't I be happy for the team and Simmonds himself?

You know the answer to that question. Terrible choice.
- stveshdy

Yes, I do. But the point I want to make is that Coaches give player opportunities for a reason. The player makes the Coach look good, or look bad. But that's all the Coach does is give the chance. And then it's on the player to make good on it.

A lot of epic failure behind Bryz right now

if i was bryzgalov i would have just been laughing at myself how bad i got faked out
- 2Real

When he faked the wrist shot, Hendricks actually pushed the puck forward, it was legal, but really dirty and good. Give Bryz credit, didn't get down on himself, probably had a little chuckle and nailed down the victory.

A lot of epic failure behind Bryz right now
- eayost

It's hilarious to see them get dumber and dumber with each non answer he gives them.

Not think, just play.

I would have said it was a stupid idea to place Simmonds out there considering he hasn't scored in the shootout all season long. I'll say it again, I firmly believe he should run with players with really good has, like the players I've named.
- roenick97

Exactly. And in my opinion that's not how I look at it. He's choosing Simmonds for some reason. If Simmonds didn't score there then it's on Simmonds, not the Coach.

Pens 5-1 over Nashville tonight Are we just wasting our time....they are a legitamite machine at this point
- Just5

just wait until the novelty of crosby returning wears off

Lava might just be rewarding Simmonds for his consistent hard work. Dude gives a 100% effort every night.
- FlyerGuy

You might be right. Even if Simmonds isn't putting up points, he's finding other ways to show his worth to the team. Easily one of my favourite players on the team.

"shhhh, i don't hear your question because it's about me"

Yes, I do. But the point I want to make is that Coaches give player opportunities for a reason. The player makes the Coach look good, or look bad. But that's all the Coach does is give the chance. And then it's on the player to make good on it.
- MJL

Absolutely. Tonight Simmonds makes Lavi look good. He keeps rolling him out there for shootouts so the coach has confidence in him for some reason. Hard to go against Lavi when he is with his players more than any person.

Bryz: "Shhh...I'm not hearing your question because you're asking about me."

"shhhh, i don't hear your question because it's about me"


- feelingkettle

I think Laviolette opting for Simmonds in the shootout, especially at that time, was a great thing - showing he has faith and confidence in the youngster and helping the youngster believe.

"shhhh, i don't hear your question because it's about me"


- feelingkettle

Loved the "Good report" line, too.

Lava might just be rewarding Simmonds for his consistent hard work. Dude gives a 100% effort every night.
- FlyerGuy

Or possibly putting him in a situation where if he succeeds, in can be a spring board to better things. Success breeds success. Having a Coach show faith and belief in a player goes a long way.