The Astuteness of Paul Holmgren.

[cusimano_brothers 1,655]

From TSN:

Ilya Bryzgalov had plenty of time this season to babble on about bears, the universe, the woods, and other arcane bits of knowledge.

He kept quiet on Thursday.

Staying out of the locker room on the day Philadelphia packed up and headed home might be the first sign the Flyers' quirky goalie learned a lesson that he's paid $51 million to win games and not play the room like a late night talk show host.

"His job is to stop pucks and help us win games," Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren said. "It's not Comedy Central."

...

He gets it.

[evilzyme 769]

Well, as much as Bryz just straight up sucked it in the first round with MAF, he did keep them in games in the second round. Philly needs to realize they have some giant holes in their defense and they can't expect their tendy to always be there to save your ass. Now, I understand he has a beautiful contract and is paid to be that guy, but history says he will never be that guy. I'm not even sure why and how Philly thought Bryz was going to be an all-star goalie by just coming to Philly. Holmgren is absolutely right though, he should focus on play more than just making retarded comments. The media is half to blame though, they've been down his throat trying to get the funny quotes from him. The guy is barely more advanced than Pasha when talking to the American media.

**edit** someone care to explain how the hell this got neg'ed rofl

Edited May 11, 2012 by evilzyme

[cusimano_brothers 1,655]

If this is the best that the Philadelphia media can come up with as a "hero", they are desperate. Dance monkey, dance!

[mmamolo 287]

Obviously Bryzgalov was nowhere near his typical form this season but I think too much is being made of his quirky personality. The only difference from passed seasons and this year is that his quirky personality is getting more attention since he plays for the Flyers and not the Coyotes. It's not like the guy just developed this quickiness over night.

That being said, I don't think enough is being made about the injuries the Flyers had on the blueline this year. Bryzgalov will be better next year.

[number9 3,297]

i dont think bryz-nastys humor is bad for a locker room at all...its about his play not his sense of humor

[Guest Crymson]

Obviously Bryzgalov was nowhere near his typical form this season but I think too much is being made of his quirky personality. The only difference from passed seasons and this year is that his quirky personality is getting more attention since he plays for the Flyers and not the Coyotes. It's not like the guy just developed this quickiness over night.

That being said, I don't think enough is being made about the injuries the Flyers had on the blueline this year. Bryzgalov will be better next year.

Bryz played as he played against the Wings last postseason: poorly.

[dat's sick 1,002]

...and this is why 99% of NHL players only give boring cliché answers to every question asked by reporters.

I understand they're disappointed with his play this year, but when goalie after goalie puts up terrible numbers for them, maybe it's time to realize a bit of the blame is on the defense, not on the goalie's personality.

[Guest Crymson]

...and this is why 99% of NHL players only give boring cliché answers to every question asked by reporters.

I understand they're disappointed with his play this year, but when goalie after goalie puts up terrible numbers for them, maybe it's time to realize a bit of the blame is on the defense, not on the goalie's personality.

The defense was poor, but Bryzgalov was just downright terrible at times.

[Hockeytown0001 7,652]

The defense was poor, but Bryzgalov was just downright terrible at times.

In the first round. He was good enough for the Flyers to beat the Devils.

[RedWingsRox 614]

"His job is to stop pucks and help us win games," Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren said. "It's not Comedy Central."

Actually, the only reason why I watch the Flyers is for the comedy.

[kipwinger 8,522]

"His job is to stop pucks and help us win games," Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren said. "It's not Comedy Central."

Actually, the only reason why I watch the Flyers is for the comedy.

That's funny, the only reason I watch the Flyers is to see them kick the living hell out of Pittsburgh. Either way, I think we both got what we were looking for.

[akustyk 84]

nice to get a vote of confidence from you GM known for signing huge contracts and then shipping players with those contract away, huh?

as already said - Flyers defense is brutal. you can blame it on the goalie, but if you don't solve main issue even Lundqvist will not help.

[Echolalia 2,961]

nice to get a vote of confidence from you GM known for signing huge contracts and then shipping players with those contract away, huh?

as already said - Flyers defense is brutal. you can blame it on the goalie, but if you don't solve main issue even Lundqvist will not help.

I agree completely, and I think it has just as much to do with the Flyers style of play as their defensive roster, but it's difficult to fault them entirely when they were playing without Pronger and Mezaros. With those two healthy and in the playoffs I think the Flyers get away with their all-offense mentality, maybe not to win the Cup, but certainly they would have gone deeper than they did.

[frankgrimes 1,836]

I really adore the fact how Richards is turning it on in LA feels good being douchebag Holmgren doesn't it? Flyers are known for trying to copy the last years Stanley Cup Winner. Brzygalov is no Thomas and the only elite defenseman they Flyers had is hurt (Pronger). I cant believe how many people are shocked by this outcome it was so obvious the Pens/Flyers wouldn't go far with their horrific run and gun style.

Bryzgalov is an above average goalie but nowhere near a Miller, Lundquist, Thomas or Rinne but he is paid to be close to this group. I wouldn't be surprised if the Flyers are pushing hard for Luke Schenn uniting him with his brother.

[cusimano_brothers 1,655]

From TSN:

Though he did not make himself available to local reporters on Thursday, Philadelphia Flyers netminder Ilya Bryzgalov freely spoke his mind to a Russian newspaper about being the latest hometown goalie to face the city's wrath.

"What I lived through this season I wouldn't wish to an enemy," he told Natalia Bragilevskaya of SovSport in an interview tranlsated by Philly.com. "I need to keep working. I understand the fans. They paid their money and want the show. But many forget that we are not robots, but living people. We have feelings, worries."

...

[evilzyme 769]

Seriously though, does someone care to explain what was so bad about my original post?

[pucktividi 472]

Well Bryz wasn't good at all,but at least he'll take some blame unlike his GM.

It's not Comedy Central,but neither is NHL12 Mr.Holmgren.

[GMRwings1983 8,794]

Bryz played as he played against the Wings last postseason: poorly.

And the year before that too.

The guy put up numbers this postseason that you don't see that often anymore in today's goalie age. Looked like he was playing the 80's Oilers or something.

He's just a fragile goalie that gives up a ridiculous amount of soft goals.

[Guest Hatethedrake!]

I agree on Bryz being overrated and overpaid. But where is Holmgren's accountability? The Flyers are paying Pronger for the next 5 years to basically be retired. They are also paying Bryz 7 mil a season for the next 6 years to be Garth Snow. If I'm Ed Snider, I don't want this guy flushing my money down the toilet anymore. Holmgren should be replaced.

[akustyk 84]

I agree on Bryz being overrated and overpaid. But where is Holmgren's accountability? The Flyers are paying Pronger for the next 5 years to basically be retired. They are also paying Bryz 7 mil a season for the next 6 years to be Garth Snow. If I'm Ed Snider, I don't want this guy flushing my money down the toilet anymore. Holmgren should be replaced.

don't worry. Holmgren is slowly becoming another Wang and players (and agents) start noticing that this is a team that throws big contracts but doesn't deliver lineup strong enough to go deep in playoffs, which leads to players with big contract being blamed and shipped away. with this kind of management Philly will soon become very unwanted place to sign. seriously, I can't imagine a competitive player to chose extra money and risk entire career. I'd rather play for less in good environment and with a shot at the cup.

Edited May 12, 2012 by akustyk

[cusimano_brothers 1,655]

This "schtick" is not new and he has been using it for for some time. Until he figures out when he should talk and when he should stop the puck he will have problems. $5,666,667 for this? He needs to work on his game in the off-season, not use the Russian press as a conduit for his feelings.

[cusimano_brothers 1,655]

[evilzyme 769]

"Ya killin me smalls!" - Chick on the left