Flyers GM Paul Holmgren met with the media today and, as expected, fielded a number of questions about Ilya Bryzgalov. After Philly’s disappointing five game loss to New Jersey in the Eastern Conference semifinals -- a series in which Bryzgalov’s play came under fire -- Holmgren was asked to reflect on Bryz’s year and look ahead to his future.
Which the GM did...with confidence.
“I absolutely think being here a year will help him,” Holmgren said. “He had a lot of things to adjust to and adapt to. From playing in Philadelphia, the scrutiny of the media in Philadelphia compared to where he came from [Phoenix], the scrutiny of the fans compared to where he came from, different style of play...
“I don’t think there’s any question Ilya will be better next year.”
Video:
In closing, some numbers to throw your way...
2011-12, Bryzgalov regular season: 33-16-7, .909 save percentage, 2.48 GAA
2010-11, Sergei Bobrovsky regular season: 28-13-8, .915 save percentage, 2.54 GAA
2011-12, Bryzgalov postseason: 5-6, .887 save percentage, 3.46 GAA
2010-11, Brian Boucher postseason: 4-4, .904 save percentage, 3.13 GAA
...In light of those, Bryzgalov better be better next year. The Flyers can’t afford him to be worse.
