The moment that perhaps saved the Phoenix Coyotes this season was plucking goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov off waivers from the Anaheim Ducks back in late-November.
Now they’ve ensured they’ll have a chance to remain competitive, re-signing Bryzgalov to a three-year contract extension worth $12.5 million.
Bryzgalov has been outstanding as the Coyotes starting goalie, giving them a chance to win in every game. He currently has a 16-10-2 record with a 2.33 goals-against average, a sparkling .933 save percentage with one shutout.
He’s provided the Coyotes with the type of goaltending they’ve lacked since Nikolai Khabibulin was in his heyday in the late 1990s.
As a result of Bryzgalov’s performance the Coyotes, written off as a non-playoff contender by most experts this season, are in the thick of the playoff race in the Western Conference. As of this writing, Phoenix is tied for 9th overall with 52 points, only three points out of the final playoff berth, and are winners of 6 of their last ten games.
Strong goaltending can do wonders for a team’s confidence, especially one in rebuilding mode, and the Coyotes have been a more confident bunch since Bryzgalov’s arrival.
Bryzgalov was eligible for unrestricted free agency this summer but it was long accepted that the Coyotes would do what it took to keep him off the market, where he certainly would’ve commanded considerably more than the $1.363 he’s presently making for this season.
Should the talented Russian backstop the Coyotes into the playoffs he’s also got the post-season experience thanks to his recent years with the defending Stanley Cup champion Anaheim Ducks to make them a very tough opponent.
With Bryzgalov between the pipes for the next three years, the Coyotes rebuilding program has taken a major leap forward.
He probably won’t get any Hart trophy consideration, but he’s clearly the Coyotes most valuable player.
if the yotes can get to the number 7 seed, since the number 8 is gonna have to play the wings, I dont think anyone wants to play the yoyes in the playoffs, they are very dangerous!!!!!!!!
Oh, no, I wouldn't want that job. I'd probably punch out half of MLSE and the local media within a month! But thanks for the recommendation, Cobra...;)
Last edited by Spector on January 22nd at 3:01 PM.
Coyote fans be sure to show some love for the Ducks considering this was a gift of a life time. Solid goaltenders don't just drop into your lap without giving up anything in return. Still think it was a silly move by Burke. Good luck in the playoff race. I know the Ducks don't want to play the Coyotes in the first round. Coyotes have fared well against the Ducks since getting Bryz. Plus, every Duck fan knows Bryz can just outright steal games. He did it in 06 against Calgary and Colorado (3 SO in a row). He did it in 07 against Minn.
I would've preferred that Ilya went to an Eastern Conference team, or at least, a non-Pacific division team. But, waivers are waivers.
I can't be much happier for Bryz than I am right now. He's a championship-caliber netminder. He fully deserves all of the successes that he has earned. He's a #1 goalie and I wish him nothing but the best of luck.
Last edited by ducknut on January 22nd at 10:06 PM.
I agree flash. Burke has been a GM of the year more than once, but his performance this past year has been questionable at best. His blowhard tactics concerning the Penner offer sheet were laughable, and giving a valuable trading piece away for a song made no sense whatsover and will be questioned for quite a while. I realize his hands were somewhat tied thanks to Niedermayer's endless delaying, but I would have expected better from a crafty old hand. As for Bryzgalov, he did indeed keep the Coyotes relevant and I also concur that should they reach the Western playoffs, he could steal a round from an unsuspecting opponent. Just what the doctor ordered for that franchise.
I'm Lyle Richardson, also known as Spector, Foxsports.com 's "Prince of Pucks".,which is based on the fact I live in Prince Edward Island, Canada and I couldn't think of a better byline. I've been an NHL hockey commentator since 1998 on my website, Spector's Hockey, and I'm a contributing writer for Foxsports.com , The Hockey News and Eishockey News. I'm also a regular on The Faceoff Hockey Show and a frequent guest on "The Late Crew" on The Team 1200 Ottawa.
