Pic via (@plysenkov)
Ilya Bryzgalov is in Russia for the summer, currently hosting his annual goalie camp for kids. Puck Daddy's Dmitry Chesnokov was able to get a few – nay, many – words from Bryz on the CBA, bears, Claude Giroux playing in Russia, and other stuff. Some highlights:
On players possibly going to Russia during the lockout:
Would players like Giroux, Stamkos, Crosby play in the KHL during the lockout?
"Claude and I had a conversation about this once at dinner. Giroux said that he was afraid of going to Russia."
Because of the Lokomotiv tragedy?
"Not only. Claude says 'I have one friend who played in Russia. But he was kicked out from the club without paying. Hockey players in the KHL are absolutely unprotected.' Canadians listened to different stories about our country from their friends. And it is difficult for me to argue because I have never been in these types of situations."
What advice did you give Giroux?
"To sign for nine years in Russia and ask to get paid for eight of them in advance!" [Bryzgalov laughed.]
And on Sidney Crosby:
Have you tried beer called 'Crosby's Tears?'
"I don't drink alcohol at all. But I understand what you're talking about. This beer was put on the market after Philadelphia beat Pittsburgh in the first round of the Stanley Cup. Yes, people in our city don't like Crosby very much. But the feelings towards Evgeni Malkin are very different."
Because of the perception Crosby used to asking for penalties?
"Maybe. I haven't figured it out in one season. But in Philadelphia no one paints Malkin as a ballerina like what happened to Crosby in the playoffs. Evgeni is depicted as a Russian bear."
Yeah, I'm not sure that's the case. But whatever. You can read the full interview over at Puck Daddy.
6 Responses
Bryz is a bad goalie
Charles, I’m going out on a limb here but I think Mark was joking
My sources are telling me that Giroux could play in Russia if there’s a lockout. HC Traktor, Dinamo Riga, and Avangard Omsk Oblast are all in on Claude. I can’t see Ed Snider letting him leave Philadelphia – look for him to make a big push behind the scenes to keep his star away from Russian hockey. 50-50 chance he stays. Much more to come on this.
Stay Tuned
Nice job attributing the interview to Chesnokov Kyle. Reading is fundamental.
Malkinstein is an Asshat.
I think Bryz is actually a relatively smart human being who realizes what life, and hockey, are really all about.
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