The time is not yours.
At least when it comes to Ilya Bryzgalov … on non-game days, in the Flyers’ locker room.
The team announced a new media policy yesterday regarding its $51 million goaltender. According to the Flyers, Bryzgalov “will no longer talk to the media except in postgame situations in which he plays.” That essentially puts a muzzle on the entertaining Russian during practices and on days when he’s serving as Sergei Bobrovsky’s backup.
The move seems to be sparked by Flyers goalie coach Jeff Reese, who recently told reporters that he felt Bryzgalov was distracted by his daily interactions with the media.
“He’s just got to concentrate on stopping the puck,” Reese said. “I know he’s a great quote. I know he’s a great personality. But at the same time he needs to just focus on his job and just control what he can.”
The Philadelphia chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers Association has filed an official complaint against the Flyers, according to the Inquirer’s Sam Carchidi, and several other beat writers took to Twitter to voice their displeasure.
“You have to make him available to the press,” PHWA Executive Vice President Mark Spector told the popular hockey blog, Puck Daddy.
Whatever your opinion on the matter, the reality is that Bryzgalov is playing poorly this season, after allowing 27 goals in nine games.
“I just can’t stop the puck. That’s it. It’s very simple,” Bryzgalov said last week.
Chatter box
Bryzgalov is one of the city’s best sound bytes. Here are some of his best quotes to date:
“Say hello to my little friend.” Before the home opener, when Bryzgalov was reciting lines from the iconic movie, “Scarface.”
“It reminds me of Russia a little bit, but it’s great being here, there are lots of trees.” In introductory press conference, when he compared his native Russia to his new home, Philly.
“I have zero confidence in myself right now. If you probably throw a ball instead of the puck, I’m not gonna stop it.” His comments last week after giving up four goals on 10 shots in a 9-8 loss.
