Flyers Should Be Cautious With Bryzgalov

Ilya Bryzgalov has always been known for being a workhorse. Last season with the Phoenix Coyotes, Bryzaglov started 68 games, and 69 games in 2009. This season has been no different. 


Bryzgalov has started 54 games this season, and filled in for Bobrovsky in two. 


With six games left for the Flyers before the playoff, Bryz is expected to start most of those games.


However, the Flyers need to make sure he is not overworked. 


With an impeding matchup between either conference rivals the Rangers or Penguins, Bryzgalov will have to be on the top of his game. 


Unless the Flyers are surprisingly on the verge of a sweep, Bryzgalov will start every game in between the pipes. 


History has not been too kind to Bryzgalov in the playoffs. Last season, Bryzgalov started the Coyotes' last six games, which were played over a span of a little more than two weeks. Bryzgalov was in net for all four games of the Coyotes opening round matchup with the Detroit Red Wings.


 Phoenix was swept 4-0, and Bryzgalov had a miserable GAA of 4.36. I am sure even Robert Esche shared a laugh with Red Wings fans about Bryz's horrendous play. Phoenix worked him until there was nothing left in the tank, and that showed in the playoffs. The Flyers need to avoid fatiguing Bryzgalov as much as possible.


And of course, there is always the chance of a freak injury. After the Lightning game, Bryz was seen limping badly in the locker room. Playing out the end of the season would only increase his chances of getting hurt.


As Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News wrote in his story, Bryzgalov can barely stay awake for post game interviews. Granted, being a starting goalie, philosopher, and aficionado of everything can be exhausting, Bryzgalov has started the Flyers last eight games. 


Although the Flyers could still end up with the #1 seed in the Eastern Conference, it will not even matter of Bryzgalov is not able to play at a high level like he has as of late. 


It would be in the Flyers best interest to sit Bryzgalov against the Ottawa Senators, the day before the Flyers play Pittsburgh. 


Playing the Penguins twice and the Rangers once, will give the Flyers a good preview of their first round foe, as well as allowing the "Bryzard of Oz" to get back into a groove right before the playoffs.


A healthy goalie is a happy goalie, and a happy goalie is an effective goalie. With the way he has been playing lately, it is almost unfathomable that one day off would take Bryzgalov out of his groove.


With both the offense and defense playing pretty well down the stretch, a deep playoff run will come down to one thing: Ilya Bryzgalov. 


Do the right thing Laviolette, give Bryzgalov the night off. Even Ivan Drago needs off here and there.