Taking Care of Bryzness: Ilya Bryzgalov Named Second Star of the Month

It was a December to remember for the Phoenix Coyotes.

The Coyotes finished the month of December with a 10-2-3 record as Ilya Bryzgalov recorded two shutouts to his impressive five shutouts.

Bryzgalov posted an 8-2-3 record with a 1.82 goals against average (GAA) and a .939 save percentage (SV%).

For his efforts in net, the NHL named Bryzgalov as the second star of the month for December.

This is the second time this season the NHL has honored Bryzgalov for player of the month recognition.

Back in October, Bryzgalov was named third star of the month after the Coyotes shocked the league by posting a 9-4 record which tied the Coyotes record for most wins in a month.

The Coyotes would break the franchise record in December much due to the efforts of Bryzgalov as well as the emergence of several Coyotes.

Bryzgalov might never be able to match the month he had in December.

One of his highlights included a season-high 37-save performance in a 2-1 win over the Western Conference-leading San Jose Sharks on Dec. 12.

Bryzgalov’s two shutouts came against the Minnesota Wild (28 saves, Dec. 7) and against division rival Anaheim Ducks (21 saves, Dec. 23).

As if the month couldn’t get any better for Bryzgalov, he was named to the Russian Olympic Team on Dec. 25.

The very next day Bryzgalov earned his 100th victory of his career with a 3-2 victory against the Los Angeles Kings.

The month of December concluded when Bryzgalov helped lead the Coyotes to a franchise-record 10-game home winning streak (Nov.21- Dec. 29), Bryzgalov recorded nine of the 10 victories.

This season Bryzgalov has emerged as one of the top goaltenders in the NHL. Bryzgalov is tied in the NHL with shutouts, third in goals-against average (2.03) fourth in save percentage (.927), and tied for fourth in victories (22).

With those kind of numbers Bryzgalov should be a leading candidate for the Vezina trophy awarded to the goaltender who is at the best at their position.

Bryzgalov’s numbers speak for himself, he clearly is one of the best.