Philadelphia Flyers goalie Ilya Bryzgalov will back up Sergei Bobrovsky in the Winter Classic against the New York Rangers now set for 3 p.m. ET on Monday, and the odd-ball netminder doesn’t seem to mind.
When meeting with reporters after Sunday’s practice at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Bryzagalov broke the news of his benching — in classic Bryzgalov form — despite coach Peter Laviolette announcing he hasn’t decided who will get the nod in goal.
“I have great news and even better news,” Bryzgalov said. “Great news: I’m not playing tomorrow night. Good news: We have a chance to win the game.
Bryzgalov has emerged as the breakout star on HBO’s 24/7 Flyers/Rangers: Road to the Winter Classic due to his bizarre personality and philosophical musings, but his play of late has been far below the star status that earned him a nine-year, US$51-million contract from the Flyers in the summer.
In his last four starts, all losses, Bryzgalov has allowed 16 goals on 87 shots. Since Dec. 3, around the time HBO began filming, Bryzgalov has gone 5-3-1 with an .861 save percentage. The 31-year-old is 14-8-3 with a 3.01 goals-against average and an .890 save percentage in 26 games this season.
Bobrovsky, on the other hand, has won his past three starts and is 8-2-1 on the season with a 2.52 GAA and .914 save percentage.
