Ilya Bryzgalov

Where there is smoke, there is Bryzgalov

January 5, 2012

Ilya Bryzgalov’s time in Philadelphia has been contentious to say the least.

Coming into town on the back of one of the most dramatic shakeups in team history (in addition to one of the largest contracts in league history), the 31-year old goaltender had a giant “X” on his back long before he ever wore an orange sweater.

For a franchise that has had inconsistency at the position since the late 1970s, Bryzgalov is expected to add stability to a role that has been lacking.

Unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case thus far.

Matt Brigidi explains why there is no reason to worry about Bryzgalov

Alumni Game is a reminder of Flyers goalie past

December 30, 2011

John Russo

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Only the Chicago Bears really understand what's going on in Philadelphia.

The National Football League's Bears have had 15 different starting quarterbacks since 1992. No other sports franchise recently has had one of the most important positions in its respective sport be in so much flux.

That is until the Philadelphia Flyers and their perennial problems in net get tossed into the discussion.

Since Ron Hextall was "the guy" in between the pipes, the goalie position has been a revolving door for the Flyers from 1999 until today. They are hopeful the big money they spent on Ilya Bryzgalov this off season finally pays off, putting a stopper on the door.

The alumni game this Saturday is a reminder of the Flyers lack of any consistent goaltending in the last 15 years.

Stamkos Scores Twice as Bolts Strike Flyers

December 28, 2011

Shane Brennan

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Steven Stamkos is one of the NHL’s most prolific offensive players. So, when the forward gets open looks in front of the net the Lightning are tough to beat. The Flyers found out the hard way on Tuesday night in a 5-1 defeat.

With two goals tonight Stamkos tied the Rangers’ Marion Gaborik with 22 goals for the season and the lead for the top goal scorer in the league.

Stamkos’ first goal came 8:30 into the second period, breaking a 1-1 tie. Stamkos took the rebound from a Ryan Malone shot and put a backhand shot past Ilya Bryzgalov.

Bryzgalov let in five goals on only 16 shots. The theme throughout the game was missed Flyer opportunities that turned into Lightning goals. Usually when a team dominates on shots, possessions, and scoring opportunities they find themselves on the celebratory side of a blowout.

Not tonight.

A Look At The 'New Guys': Ilya and Lilja on D

December 23, 2011

Kim Pollock

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The fourth installment of Kim Pollock's look at the new guys.

In this piece, Pollock focuses on Andreas Lilja and Ilya Bryzgalov, both free agent offseason acquisitions by the Flyers.

Flyers Sneak Away From Colorado With a Point

December 20, 2011

Mark Trible

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The Philadelphia Flyers hit the ice in Denver Monday night seeking another win streak after Saturday’s 6-0 thrashing by the Boston Bruins. Instead, they snuck out of the Pepsi Center with a point in a 3-2 shootout loss to the Colorado Avalanche.

Philadelphia (20-8-4) struck first when Scott Hartnell scored with 1:29 remaining in the first period. On the power play goal, Jaromir Jagr saved the puck from leaving the offensive zone and quickly fired it near the net. Jakub Voracek, who has played spectacularly lately, shuffled a pass across the goal-mouth for Hartnell.

The tally was Hartnell’s 16th goal of the season, tying him with Claude Giroux as the highest goal scorer on the Flyers this season. It was also his seventh power play goal on the year.

Colorado (16-17-1) took the game’s momentum in the second period with strong contributions from their young core.

Bruins beatdown Flyers in 6-0 Rout

December 17, 2011

Matthew Brigidi

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All good things must come to an end.

This was painfully obvious Saturday afternoon when the Philadelphia Flyers suffered their first loss in nearly three weeks at the hands of the reigning Stanley Cup champions, the Boston Bruins.

Prior to meeting Boston, the Flyers had been on a dream-like run, winning seven consecutive games and going 9-1-0 in their last ten.

Saturday proved to be a rude awakening.

Old rivalry introduced to new faces

December 9, 2011

Matthew Brigidi

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For the Philadelphia Flyers and their fans, much of the 2011-12 season will be focused on the New York Rangers. Because of this year’s Winter Classic matchup, players and fans should expect to be inundated with questions, information and banter about the hatred between the Broad Street Bullies and the Broadway Blueshirts.

However, there is still one rivalry that has been overshadowed thus far. That rivalry includes the team on the other side of the Keystone State, the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Read's three-point night propels Flyers

December 3, 2011

John Russo

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Matt Read's three-point night is all the support Ilya Bryzgalov needed in his return to Phoenix.

The Flyers scored four goals in the first period en route to a 4-2 win over the Coyotes, Saturday night.

Have The Isles Become Montoya's Team?

December 3, 2011

Rob McGowan

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Al Montoya has been superb this season for the New York Islanders, but with Rick DiPietro here for several more years, how much longer will his run actually last?

Game Day: Philadelphia Flyers @ Phoenix Coyotes

December 3, 2011

czechtacular

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The first matchup featuring the Phoenix Coyotes and departed goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov didn't amount to a result they liked, what with Matt Read scoring the game-winning goal with just 18.6 seconds remaining in the final frame. Now, in their own barn, the Coyotes are looking for proper revenge. Problem is, they may not even get it as Sergei Bobrovsky might get the start in goal for the Flyers as they visit Jobing.com Arena.

The Flyers last faced another former team of Bryzgalov's, Anaheim, less than 24 hours ago. The Ducks got the jump on them with three goals, but the Flyers came back to take the game in overtime, 4-3. Phoenix is coming off a 1-0 loss against Winnipeg ...