Ilya Bryzgalov hopeful of making history with Philadelphia Flyers –NHL offseason Update
Philadelphia Flyers are not the only one who have high hopes vested in Ilya Bryzgalov, after they signed him to a nine-year, $51 million contract following a trade when they acquired his negotiating rights from Phoenix Coyotes. Bryzgalov himself is optimistic
in creating history and getting the Stanley Cup back in Philadelphia, which would be a first since 1975.
Bryzgalov wants to be a hero and is not worried about all the mounting pressure which has accumulated since the big blockbuster trade which sent captain Mike Richards and forward Jeff Carter to other teams, in order for the franchise to clear up salary cap
space.
"I want to be the guy who can carry this team", Bryzgalov said in a conference call Monday. "I want to help this team win the Stanley Cup because people in Philadelphia and the organization have waited long enough. I want to win the Stanley Cup also and
I think we have similar ideas, similar goals. That's why we have to work hard and reach this goal. Pressure, we have to deal with the pressure every way and every day in our lives, hockey, everywhere".
The 31-year-old veteran goalie has played 10 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) now, and believes it is the best time to win a Stanley Cup. Having played all seasons in the Western Conference with Anaheim Ducks and Phoenix Coyotes, it might just
be the change Bryzgalov really needs.
Drafted in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft by Anaheim as the 44th overall pick in round-two, Bryzgalov has remained the Coyotes main goalie for the past four seasons. He led them to the playoffs the previous two consecutive seasons, but was eliminated
early in the first round. This year, Detroit Red Wings cleanly swept them in the Western Conference quarterfinals, 4-0, which had Bryzgalov thinking about changing teams and trying something different.
After a number of changes during the offseason, Philadelphia Flyers are looking for another chance at the Stanley Cup. Their last win being in 1975, and last chance in 2010 against Chicago Blackhawks, makes it all the more interesting to see what Bryzgalov
will be capable of doing and what difference his presence will make.
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