Bryzgalov aiming for 40 wins in first season with Philly

[germany00]

After inking a nine-year deal worth $51 million with the Flyers on June 23, one would expect Bryzgalov is a prime candidate to produce both. He's looking forward to the challenge.

"When you play a lot, you feel confident about your game," Bryzgalov said. "If they need me to play 70 games, I'll play 70. If they need me to play 50, I'll play 50. So it all depends on the coach and management … whatever they need."

Since his first full season in the NHL in 2005-06, Bryzgalov has averaged 54 appearances per season. After joining the Phoenix Coyotes in 2007-08, he averaged 64 games, 32.5 victories and a 2.54 goals-against average.

When asked if he anticipates Bryzgalov starting 60-plus games this season, Holmgren seemed noncommittal.

"We'll see how it goes," Holmgren said. "His track record speaks for itself … he plays 60 or above. I don't know if we need him to play that many, but we'll see. If he's playing good and looks fresh, then that's what we brought him in for."

Bryzgalov, who was his usual jovial self during the question-and-answer session with the media, certainly knows how to approach a full 82-game slate.

"You have to manage the practice time with the game time," he said. "When you feel a little bit exhausted and tired, physically and mentally, you need to take a break because it's tough to practice every day and play almost every game. You have to take breaks once in a while. Maybe stay off the ice some days and workout and stretch with the trainers."

The 31-year-old Russian appeared in 68 games last season with the Coyotes and went 36-20-10 with a 2.48 GAA, a .921 save percentage and seven shutouts. That followed a season in which he was a Vezina Trophy finalist after going 42-20-6 with a 2.29 GAA and .920 save percentage in 69 games.

Bryzgalov said he hopes to approach 40 victories in his first season in the City of Brotherly Love.

 

[Mr.Baller]

lolll ... I just hate this guy

 

[germany00]

Hhaha same, nothing worse than a russian who thinks their all that

 

[Mr.Baller]

Hhaha same, nothing worse than a russian who thinks their all that

+1... and how stupid are the flyers making all theses off-seasons moves for making cap space for this sucker .

 

[germany00]

Hahaha ya, they had such great center depth before this off season

 

[Mr.Baller]

Seriously ... And then the reason was because Richards and Carter party too much ? come on lol ... Paul Holmgren is just Bryz's bitch .

 

[germany00]

haha totally agree, and he hated playing for pheonix just because he didnt like the city. If you ask me he's just a greedy russian

 

[Mr.Baller]

I just don't understand why the NHL needs Russian players ? Specially player like Bryz and Kovalchuk who are only playing for the money ... Signing huge contracts for no reason man

 

[germany00]

I agree, even looking at players like ovi, he gets an outrageous amount of money a year, only difference is that he deserves it

 

[Mr.Baller]

Exactly ... Bryz didn't prove shit yet .

 

[germany00]

He had one semi-decent season in 09-10 and thats it. Honestly i wouldnt classify him as an elite goalie

 

[Mr.Baller]

Same here anyway .. It was a huge mistake ... u don't find two players like Richards everyday and a good naturel center who plays at RW/LW like Carter ... two great talented players

 

[germany00]

Ya i agree, although they did get schenn, simmonds and vorecek. they still were on the bad end of those deals