Flyers

Ilya Bryzgalov on CBA, Claude Giroux… and Russian Bears

By Kyle Scott

Published: Jul 18th, 2012 · 7:05 PM EDT

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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.