Welcome to Philadelphia. Now, buy an umbrella.
Ilya Bryzgalov — the Flyers’ $51 million goaltender — is still adjusting to the weather in his new town.
“Lots of rain. You can hear it right now,” Bryzgalov said Thursday at his introductory press conference. “It reminds me of Russia a little bit.”
The hockey? Well, that part will take care of itself.
“We’re all hockey people,” Bryzgalov said. “We know why we’re here. We know what we have to do.”
Flyers GM Paul Holmgren expects his new goalie to play at least 60 games — and that is fine with Bryzgalov, who has learned how to juggle practice and game time over the years.
“When you feel a little bit exhausted, tired physically and mentally, and you feel like you need to take a break, you have to take a break,” Bryzgalov said.
Bryzgalov has been living in Rittenhouse Square as he searches for a permanent residence in South Jersey. He’s already been recognized a few times.
“The people have been very friendly,” Bryzgalov said. “There are lots of good restaurants right there. I like it a lot here.”
Bryzgalov applauded his new teammates and the Flyers’ organization. He doesn’t expect any growing pains with his new team. In fact, he doesn’t anticipate any pressure from this Cup-starved city.
“I never put pressure on myself. I know my job. I know what I have to do,” he said. “Sorry guys, that [pressure] is from you [the media]. You put pressure on us and create pressure for the team. I think I can handle it.”
