Kukla's Korner Hockey
Life After Bryzgalov
by Alanah McGinley on 07/12/11 at 02:16 PM ET
Comments (2)
From Emily Kaplan at NHL.com:
“Bryz is not exactly replaceable. We know that,” [Sean] Burke, Phoenix’s goaltending coach, told NHL.com. “So for us, this offseason was about trying to search for the type of goaltending that gives the opportunity to win every night.”
In Burke’s eyes, the Coyotes found that.
On July 1, Phoenix signed former Tampa Bay goalie Mike Smith to a two-year, $4 million contract. Burke describes Smith as “very big and very athletic”—and exactly what the Coyotes were looking for.
“I think we get a guy that has a lot of upside, but he also has a fair amount of experience and a lot of confidence,” Burke said. “Basically, I think we’re getting the perfect guy at the perfect time.”
Filed in: NHL Teams, Phoenix Coyotes | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: mike+smith, phoenix+coyotes, sean+burke,
Comments
He was a lot of the reason why the Coyotes weren’t able to progress… I just find it hilarious that he thinks a new team is going to do it all for him.
Posted by red_wings_49 on 07/12/11 at 04:00 PM ET
I agree with this. He was, indeed, part of the problem. He could carry the ‘yotes for a time, and then when it mattered most he tended to not live up to the billing. He has a bit of a Nabakov problem in that he probably plays too many games and is too tired come late-season/playoff time. but Nabby never got any quarter for playing 70-some games a season for a team with no defensive corps whatsoever, so to heck with Bryz.
He’s not going to “fix” Philly. Philly’s main problem isn’t just goaltending. It’s their complete inability to invest in more than one aspect at a time. They’re either all forwards, or all defense, never a healthy balance. And they’re as impatient as all get-out (See Richards, Mike and Carter, Jeff).
It’s potentially going to be a very long season in Philly, and not because of any deep playoff run…
Posted by Primis on 07/12/11 at 09:12 PM ET
Add a Comment
Please limit embedded image or media size to 575 pixels wide.
Add your own avatar by joining Kukla's Korner, or logging in and uploading one in your member control panel.
Captchas bug you? Join KK or log in and you won't have to bother.
Commenting is not available in this weblog entry.
Most Recent Blog Posts
Open Post- Rangers/Devils Game 6 Eastern Conference Finals
NHL Network And NHL.com Stanley Cup Final Coverage
Rick Dudley Named Assistant GM In Montreal
A Slap On The Wrist For The Coyotes?
About KK Hockey
Paul Kukla founded Kukla’s Korner in 2005 and the site has since become the must-read site on the ‘net for all the latest happenings around the NHL.
From breaking news to in-depth stories around the league, KK Hockey is updated with fresh stories all day long and will bring you the latest news as quickly as possible.
Email Paul anytime at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Make extra cash while playing online poker. Rakeback is free and comes with rake races.
Kukla’s Korner is always a free service for readers, but it costs some money to maintain. If you’re ever in a position to donate a few dollars to help out, we’d be very appreciative.
I think it was rather crappy of Bryzgalov to go and start spouting off his mouth about how “Philly has waited too long for a cup” and all that nonsense. He was a lot of the reason why the Coyotes weren’t able to progress… I just find it hilarious that he thinks a new team is going to do it all for him.
Posted by red_wings_49 from Mad Heights, MI on 07/12/11 at 04:00 PM ET