Every year NHL players on teams that don’t make the playoffs fill out rosters for the IIHF World Championships, as well as players from other leagues in Europe. With the Philadelphia Flyers missing the playoffs, goalie Ilya Bryzgalov went overseas to play for Russia and he is up to his old habits.
On a shot from USA defenseman Matt Hunwick (Colorado Avalanche), the puck was deflected in front of the net and went towards Bryzgalov’s head. Bryzgalov ducked the shot and the puck went into the net. I have a feeling that Bryzgalov’s time in Philadelphia is coming to an end and he is going to have to fix this new habit he has picked up. You can’t be afraid to get hit in the face with a puck when you’re a goalie, that’s what a mask is for.
The USA games at the IIHF World Championships are being televised on NBC Sports Network, so be sure to tune in.
