Let’s get this out of the way:
Applause is in order for Ilya Bryzgalov and his shutout streak, now a Flyers record. The goalie went 249 minutes, 43 seconds without allowing a goal, and that’s awesome. The Flyers won the game, 3-2, and that’s even better.
But if the defense stayed tight in the third period, Bryzgalov’s shutout streak could potentially still be going. Braydon Coburn as at fault on both goals, first letting Michael Grabner sneak behind him for a pretty redirection and second losing John Tavares in the slot as the Isles quickly cut the Flyers 3-0 lead to 3-2 in the third period. It was not okay.
A ton of credit, however, has to go to the Flyers late in the third period for turning the game around. I really thought Jaromir Jagr — and his line, but Jags in particular — stepped up big in the third period and in one shift, took the momentum the Islanders had built following the two goals and turned it around in the other direction. After allowing two goals in such quick succession after such a long shutout streak, Bryz and the defense needed that help. They got it.
The Flyers lost the shot differential battle yet again tonight, something that’s been a trend throughout this stretch of games of late. It’s a little deceiving in that they’ve mostly held the lead lately, but the Flyers aren’t necessarily winning the possession battle and it’s worth worrying about. It’ll be nice to see two big tests in Boston and Pittsburgh over the weekend.
Questions with Answers
- How’s Bryzgalov look tonight? DONT SAY THE S WORD. Neither goal was his fault.
- Danny Briere finally scored — even if it was an empty-netter — on Tuesday. More from him? Nah.
- The defense was really strong against New Jersey on Tuesday. More of the same? Mostly, but not quite perfect in that third period.
- Franchise history? Yes!
Comment of the Night
Pretty sure this IS regression, yo.
>> everybodyhitswoohoo, on Ilya Bryzwallov
