The Voracek negotiations seem likely to be Holmgren's biggest internal task. He played very well and exceeded expectations, yet had periods during the year where the offense wasn't coming for him. I expect his deal to be like the Simon Gagne contracts of old, where talks just dragged on until August.

Seeing Holmgren hopeful on Carle is a good sign, especially if he can get a "discount".

Bryzgalov's play obviously was up and down, but in his interview with Natalia Bragilevskaya gave us a window in that most of the beat writers slammed shut with their harsh treatment of Bryz. Perhaps if they had not worked their agenda, and took a guy who is funny and who was more than happy to gab with them and provide great quotes, they could have run with it all year long and had the insight that they're supposed to provide with their access.

The local media had the goose that laid the golden eggs, and killed him in order to make McNuggets. Then they turned around and female doged because there were no more ommlets. Since Bragilevskaya's interview went public, both Sam Carchidi and Randy Miller have written hit pieces, shredding Bryz for ripping the fans, when Bryzgalov made it clear he was not attacking the fans.

Sadly, the best Flyers coverage is not provided by the local newspapers, tv or radio, despite the access they get. It's provided by bloggers like Bill, who report on the sport out of love for it, and cover the team out of passion.

As for Richards and Carter and the possibility of them winning a Stanley Cup, good for them. I wish them well. I won't be celebrating it, but I hold no ill will for them.
- Jsaquella

Very open and honest interview with Bryz. and he is right, they are not robots. we expect a lot and so desperately want a cup so sometimes people forget they are people and make mistakes and have ups and down.

I used to go to Voohees to a beginning of the year luncheon with them.

There was a few times i would just strike up a conversation with them instead of seeking an autograph and they were surprised. They are so used to having people just swarm all over them. We forget they are human.

I am a troll because Bryz sucked this year and you guys dont want to admit it
- vejim

I think Homers statement summed up Bryzgalov this season. "He didnt play as well as I expected". Does that mean he sucks? Not really. Just means he expects more from his goalie (but hes not alone in fault).

Very open and honest interview with Bryz. and he is right, they are not robots. we expect a lot and so desperately want a cup so sometimes people forget they are people and make mistakes and have ups and down.
- nastyflyergirl

I just read the *shudders* Carchidi write up of it, and I agree, Bryz is right. That's not to say he should be free of scrutiny, nor that folks have no right to speak their minds. Considering the dollars spent, the expectations had to be high.

I just hope he takes the lessons he learned from this season to heart and learns to live in this media environment. It needs to be tempered a bit, but his levity can be a big aid in coping with it. No player, especially goaltenders, will play in Philadelphia without that background level of non-stop criticism over every mistake, knowing how to deal with that is a particularly important lesson here.

I just read the *shudders* Carchidi write up of it, and I agree Bryz is right. That's not to say he should be free of scrutiny, nor that folks have no right to speak their minds. I just hope he takes the lessons he learned from this season to heart and learns to live in this media environment. It needs to be tempered a bit, but his levity can be a big aid in coping with it.
- BulliesPhan87

I think everyone on this board would agree that Bryz needs to be better next season. Even with him not having a great season the Flyers managed the #5 seed and over 100 points.

It's official now that Voracek's shoulder injury will prevent him from playing for the Czechs at the World Championships. He was taking cortisone injections during the playoffs and was willing to continue doing so to play at Worlds but the shoulder is in sufficiently bad shape that he's being shut down.

The Flyers' official surgery list still isn't out -- I keep checking the team media site -- but I expect Voracek's name to be on it.

I think everyone on this board would agree that Bryz needs to be better next season. Even with him not having a great season the Flyers managed the #5 seed and over 100 points.
- stveshdy

Totally agree, nobody can ignore that he was in large responsible for his own struggles. There's circumstances, but he's the central factor in that equation. And for all the games we discussed which goals he 'had no chance on', it's true he should stop more of those. He'll be better.

I think Homers statement summed up Bryzgalov this season. "He didnt play as well as I expected". Does that mean he sucks? Not really. Just means he expects more from his goalie (but hes not alone in fault).
- stveshdy

other than being stiff, not controlling rebounds and poor puck handling ...Bryz is a good goalie

It's official now that Voracek's shoulder injury will prevent him from playing for the Czechs at the World Championships. He was taking cortisone injections during the playoffs and was willing to continue doing so to play at Worlds but the shoulder is in sufficiently bad shape that he's being shut down.

The Flyers' official surgery list still isn't out -- I keep checking the team media site -- but I expect Voracek's name to be on it.
- bmeltzer

Why would the Flyers let him play and continue to take shots. Can't they step in and say, "you got to get this fixed for next season"? IMO its selfish.

other than being stiff, not controlling rebounds and poor puck handling ...Bryz is a good goalie
- vejim

What do you suggest?

other than being stiff, not controlling rebounds and poor puck handling ...Bryz is a good goalie
- vejim

You have the right to your opinion. I hate that money has to be an issue but in a cap world it does matter. You have to get bang on the buck and Bryz didnt provide that this season imo. However, that doesn't make him a bad goalie as there is an adjustment period. Playing in Philadelphia is completely different than Phoenix. He will have to adjust and get better which I believe he will do next season.

Oh no! You're quoting Eskin now?

Lucky! How'd this meeting occur, just by chance?
- BulliesPhan87

I work at a hotel on weekends and I met him there. Funny guy! (obviously)

Big goal for USA.

What do you suggest?
- RooNosHockey

a new goalie coach

Oh no! You're quoting Eskin now?


- Vipers53

Eskin has an in with the doctors, so he's usually the first to know about Flyers injuries.

http://www.cnn.com/2012/0...ckey/index.html?hpt=hp_c3

Funny given some of the opinions in here


*I personally don't really have an strong opinion either way

Why would the Flyers let him play and continue to take shots. Can't they step in and say, "you got to get this fixed for next season"? IMO its selfish.
- RooNosHockey

Selfish to want to play for his national team now that the Flyers' season is over? I disagree.

You have the right to your opinion. I hate that money has to be an issue but in a cap world it does matter. You have to get bang on the buck and Bryz didnt provide that this season imo. However, that doesn't make him a bad goalie as there is an adjustment period. Playing in Philadelphia is completely different than Phoenix. He will have to adjust and get better which I believe he will do next season.
- stveshdy

he just seems too moody, he admitted he stunk earlier in the season...and some former players had some less than endearing comments about him..even Giroux was trying to build Bryz up

he just seems too moody, he admitted he stunk earlier in the season...and some former players had some less than endearing comments about him..even Giroux was trying to build Bryz up
- vejim

When your a goalie in Philadelphia your under the microscope. He's human just like the rest of us. He has emotions and feelings also. Giroux is doing what any great leader would do and thats supporting your teammate.

Somehow, the Flyers' loss to New Jersey has morphed into Bryzagalov's fault in a lot of people's minds, even though the goaltender played at least equally -- and at times far better -- than a much-less busy Martin Brodeur.
- bmeltzer

None of this is true.

None of this is true.
- stormeyAlterEgo

Thanks for the indepth analysis.

None of this is true.
- stormeyAlterEgo

How so? Bryzgalov had to face more shots and greater scoring chances throughout the series.

None of this is true.
- stormeyAlterEgo

Did you watch the series?

Marty wasn't sharp.

Bryz was for the most part, and at times, he was unbelievable.

Bryz kept them in games 2-5.

Selfish to want to play for his national team now that the Flyers' season is over? I disagree.
- bmeltzer

If he needs surgery, would it not be selfish to postpone that surgery till after the tourney and possibly risk not being ready for the season....