Random Notes from Game 1

       This may not have much to do with the Flyers, but like I predicted this is shaping up to be an excellent series.  Of course game 1 would go to overtime, just made it all the better.  Here are a few random musings I thought about during game 1 of the series.

-Some of the lesser known Kings players, like Nolan and Fraser, really stepped it up tonight.  The Kings played like that complete team they are.  The Devils aggressive forecheck came out in the later parts of the game, but the Kings reacted very calmly and persevered.  Wish the Flyers could have done that a few weeks ago.

-I don't know if anyone had ever picked up on this, because NBC hardly ever mentions it, but apparently Martin Brodeur is rather old.

-During the postgame interview: Anze Kopitar's eyes are eerily white...like super white.

-Also, for a guy who was born in the former Yugoslav Republic, Anze Kopitar speaks some damn good English.

-Friend of the BSB (whether he knows it yet or not), Dan G, got his first breakthrough taste of fame tonight with his hilarious antics behind Kopitar during the postgame interview.  It actually makes a Pierre McGuire interview bearable to see someone you know on screen.

       Game 2 on Saturday.  It makes no sense that the NHL is placing the extra day of rest in between the two games in New Jersey.  I suppose you gain 3 hours on the flight out to Los Angeles, but really?  Oh well, still can't wait.

Ed Snider says Bryzgalov "not prepared for Philadelphia fans", takes blame for 20 year goalie carousel

       Now that the 2011-12 season is officially over there isn't too much to talk about, at least not yet.  Flyers chairman Ed Snider did an interview with Broad Street Bull today where he talked about much scrutinized goalie, Ilya Bryzgalov's first season in Philadelphia.  Here's a lengthy quote from Snide-money:

"It went from shaky at times to spectacular at tikes. The Bryz we saw in March" — the goalie was named the league's player of the month — "I hope will be the Bryz that we see consistently in the future. I think he wasn't prepared for Philadelphia fans and the microscope that he's under. I think we're tougher on goalies maybe than any other team in the league. I think our fans are frustrated, and rightfully so, for the goaltending carousel that we've had through the years. It's the problem of management, not of Bryzgalov. We blew it and we created the situation (in the past). I watch the playoffs and regular season games, and ALL goalies let in bad goals, but when a goalie in Philadelphia lets in a bad goal, it's like a disaster."

       Snider pretty much has to back Bryzgalov.  If he didn't that could be the final straw that breaks Bryz's super sensitive ego.  I like Snider backing Bryz though.  I'm not one of those people who is calling for Bryz's head after just one season under contract.  We'd better hope that he plays better if we're stuck with him for 8 more years.  I truly think that he'll turn it around though.  Let's not forget he was one of the only players that actually showed up for the series against the New Jersey Devils.
       As far as the Philadelphia fans go, it is no doubt that we tend to eat our young when it comes to sports.  Goalies to have it especially bad too.  Bryzgalov was not ready for the magnitude of attention that is paid to the Flyers.  It's fairly obvious that our players are under much more of a microscope than players in Phoenix, Bryz's last team.  It's a pressureful job, but I feel like Bryz will adapt.  I'm not ready to leave the Bryzwagon quite yet, like 75% of Flyers fans have.  This season was still a success in my book.  We've got a great young core that has nowhere to go but up.  Perhaps I'll feel different this time next year, but for now Bryz still has my backing.  The Flyers spent $51 million on him, so whether you like his play or not, you might as well get ready for the long haul.
       On another note, the Stanley Cup final begins tomorrow.  This is one of the best series hockey fans could have asked for.  The Kings, with their physical, fast-paced offense clash with a defense for the New Jersey Devils, the likes of which they have not seen yet in the Western Conference playoffs.  This series will not end quickly.  I see it going seven, but the Kings will be too much for the Marty and the Devils due to their completeness as a team.  Kings in 7.  Hopefully Richards will bring the cup back to Philly for a day or two.  I still have nothing but positive feelings for the guy, and even if you don't wanna see him and Carter hoisting the cup in another city, how could you bring yourself to root for the Devils?