If there were any worries over the fallout of Ilya Bryzgalov learning that Sergei Bobrovsky would be starting the Winter Classic, it seemed quickly dispelled on New Years Day.
Bryzgalov, in his usual self-deprecating humor, admitted the Flyers have a better chance to defeat the Rangers on Monday without him in net.
I have great news and even better news, Bryzgalov announced during the first of several scrums he did with the media.
Great news, Im not playing tomorrow night. Good news, we have a chance to win the game.
Bryzgalov was dead serious. Alas, his coach, Peter Laviolette wasnt amused. Why? Because, Laviolette had not spoken to his goalies yetonly to goalies coach Jeff Reese, who told Bryz he wasnt starting.
I havent spoke to either of the goaltenders yet, but I plan on speaking to them after I get done with you guys, Laviolette said, allowing his displeasure to seep through.
Bryzgalov was seen leaving Citizens Bank Park before Laviolette said that, so its doubtful Laviolette actually got to talk to him in person.
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Then again, Bryzgalov said he had already spoken to Reese, anyway, and did not need to talk to Laviolette.
No, I didnt see a reason why, Bryzgalov said. Hes the head coach. He makes the decisions and hes responsible for the results. I can understand him. He probably wants to put the best lineup for what hes got.
The 31-year-old Bryzgalov has not been focused during three of his last four starts while Bobrovsky has won three in a row, plus delivered huge wins in Dallas and Pittsburgh.
The stats say it all: Bobrovsky in his last eight starts: 5-1, two no-decisions, 1.55 goals against average and .947 save percentage. Bryzgalov in his last four starts: 0-4, 4.58, .816. His season stats of 3.01, ,890 are a career worst for him.
Bryz might be the weekly star of HBOs 247, but Bobrovksy has been less star struck on the ice. The 23-year-old, who was fearful of his coachs reaction, would not talk about starting or even acknowledge it.
It doesnt matter who starts because the most important thing is the result, Bobrovsky said.
Its a real game. Its two points on the line, so itll be special but the result is the most important thing.
This decision should not surprise anyone. Laviolette is being consistent in his approach to how he handles his team on a daily basis. He rewards players who play well with more ice time.
He started Bobrovsky over Bryzgalov at the end of November because the former had stolen points for him when Bryzgalov was struggling.
As much as Bryzgalov said the decision hurts a bit, his teammates said it shows the coach is consistent in placing the team ahead of individuals, regardless of outside distractions like the Winter Classic or Bryzgalov having a 51 million contract.
Scott Hartnell flat out said what other players have mumbling lately: that this should be a wake-up call for Bryzgalov to get his act together.
I think it might be good for Bryz to get a wake-up call and work on some things and get back to the goalie he can beand that we all know, Hartnell said.
Thats why Homer general manager Paul Holmgren signed him. Hes going to be good for us. I have a lot of faith in him. Hes a good man, and a great goalie and hell be there for us.
Hartnell said the players in the room respect Laviolettes decision because it was a tough call, but the right call.
Its great, Hartnell said. I think Laviolette emphasizes to us players, if youre not playing or youre doing stupid things out there or you keep making the same mistakes, youre going to get limited ice time.
For goalies I think its a little different, but Bobs been solid for us almost every game hes played except for the Winnipeg game at home when he had a rough start. When Bryz gets in the nethes gotta earn it back.
Veteran defenseman Kimmo Timonen didnt mince words, either.
As a coach, I would do the same thing, Timonen said. You reward players who play well and work hard. It doesnt matter if Winter Classic or whatever. Doesnt matter. You get some playing time and its better for everybody.
The way he played in Pittsburgh, he was calm, he played with confidence. As a player you can tell when a player has confidence. He has it right now and hopefully, he can keep it up because it makes our life easier when the goalie plays really well.
Danny Briere, who like Timonen wears an A also agreed Laviolette is looking past the politics of the event or Bryzgalovs gargantuan contract and doing what a coach is supposed to do: evaluate off what he sees on the ice.
Its one game, Briere said. I know its a big game, the big stage, but you know what? Its one game out of 82. Right now Bob is playing extremely well and he gets rewarded for it.
And Bryzgalovs mental state down the road?
Im not worried about Bryz, Briere replied. Bryz is a good goalie. Hes going to bounce back. Hes had some bad luck lately, but we all know hes a good goalie. Were going to need him down the stretch.
Were going to need him in the playoffs. Im not worried at all.
At one point during the many scrums, Bryzgalov got serious when asked if were disappointed.
Of course I am. Im a human, he replied. Im not made from steel, but it is what it is. I had a good practice again, like yesterday and two days ago.
Well just keep moving forward. Theres lots of games in front of us, lots of hockey. I heard it was still the main goal in Philadelphia to win Stanley Cup. Ill prepare for that.
Then came the spaced-out Bryz.
Asked about his mindset, he replied, Make sure I dont forget early in the morning my thermos. Put some nice tea in and enjoy the bench.
Earl Grey with lemon and very sweet, he added.
In another scrum, Bryz was asked again about not starting.
People change their minds and they think one way, Bryzgalov said. Some point in their life, they lose hope. They change and they start thinking differently.
Youve lost hope?
No, its just hockey, he replied. Remember what I said about the universe. And our problems here? Come on. Are you serious?
If you think your life is bad, there is always someone on the Earth even worse. Just be happy. Dont worry, be happy ... Its not the end of the universe.
Holmgren, incidentally, didnt know about the goalie call, but didnt have a problem with it either.
At the end of the day, its an event, but there are two points on the line, Holmgren said. Again, I didnt know what you were telling me to be true, but Sergei has played well.
Asked if Laviolette was sending a positive message to team at large that all play is rewarded regardless of potential outside influences, Holmgren replied, Hes played well. Why not?
E-mail Tim Panaccio at tpanotch@comcast.net.
