Flyers

Morning Puck: Bryzgalov Steps Aside in Shootout

By Kyle Scott

Published: Dec 20th, 2011 · 9:14 AM EST

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Is anyone else concerned about Ilya Bryzgalov? 

Yes, he’s delightfully funny. Yes, he takes up a lot of room in net. Yes, he has a decent track record. But when a goalie is being paid over $50 million, he needs to step up every once in a while and win a game for his team– not be just average, which is what he has been thus far with the Flyers.

You can’t notice a difference between Bryz and Sergei Bobrovsky right now. And if you do, it’s because Bobrovsky has been better. 

That’s not good.

Last night, Bryz played well enough for much of the game, though most in-position high school goalies would have stopped the Avalanche’s second goal. 

Still, though, the Flyers once again fought back and tied the game, scoring with 18 seconds remaining. Here it is, for those of you who went to bed:

Nice work by the official to hop out of the way of Briere’s stick.

After an overtime period which included some 3-on-3 action, it was time for a shootout. Apparently, Bryz didn’t get the memo– he was about as effective as that brown Rubbermaid trash can you used in street hockey when you were a kid. He gave up goals, easily, on all three shots (though it is worth mentioning that the Avs are now 12-1 in shootouts this year). The Flyers scored on their first two chances to keep pace, but then, Jakub Voracek correction: Matt Read, who was taking his shootout debut, hit the post with a chance to keep the game going. Game over. Flyers get a point, kiss sister.

Your full highlights are after the jump.