Sunday

Is Bryzgalov sticking around?

This summer's moves, by Flyers GM Paul Holmgren, will go down as some of the best in NHL history. The Flyers were able to turn two, possibly three, problematic pieces into the future of a franchise. Former Captain Mike Richards was moved for Wayne Simmonds, Brayden Schenn, and a 2nd rounder - which was later traded for Nic Grossman. Scorer, sidekick Jeff Carter was moved for Jakub Voracek, and picks that later became Sean Couturier and Nick Cousins. Homer didn't stop there, using the new found cap space, grabbing longtime Penguins center Max Talbot and possibly the best European player of all time, Jaromir Jagr.

There was one deal, however, that shadows the rest. The Flyers and stud free agent goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov agreed to a nine year deal worth $51 million. The consensus was that the Flyers finally had their goalie, and that a cup awaited them come spring. Although there were few who murmured that the deal could be detrimental. They were right.

The Flyers are now stuck with a goalie who is "trying to find a place in his soul to play in this city." That's no good. It has been well documented that Bryzgalov has had some struggles living up to the expectations in Philadelphia, the city where brothers drop gloves. His goals against average is up, save percentage down, and most important he feels abandoned by the city and its fans.

How do the Flyers go about this one? Should they keep Bryz and hope he turns around through better play in net? Do they give him some time off and hope he can clear his mind and come back stronger next September? Or, as the title suggests, do the Flyers move Bryzgalov not even a year after signing him?

Flyers Beat Writer, Anthony SanFillipo, talked to CBS Philly on Wednesday saying:
“I’m not saying it’s definite, and I’m not saying it’s going to happen. I would not be surprised, if the Flyers, and they think they can make a push this year, look before the trade deadline to bring another goaltender,” SanFilipo said. “They’re never afraid to correct their mistakes no matter how expensive they are.”
However, Sam Carchidi tweeted yesterday saying:
Homer says he has no plans of going after a veteran goalie or recalling Leighton.
I would not be surprised if this was lip service. Holmgren does not want to say he is going after a veteran goalie to replace Bryz before he is sure he has someone to do so. One thing is sure, as Ant San suggested, the Flyers are an organization geared toward winning and winning now. If this means getting a hold of a goaltender that can stop the shots that this duo can't stop(most shots), they are not afraid to pull the trigger.

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