2012 NHL Winter Classic: Shoddy Play Robs Fans of Affable Ilya Bryzgalov

The Philadelphia Flyers are not in the habit of running a popularity contest. If they were, fan favorite Ilya Bryzgalov would be in goal for the much-anticipated Winter Classic. 

There is no bigger game in the regular season than the Winter Classic. It has been a destination for fans and players involved in what has been a tremendous boon for the sport. 

So you can understand that every player involved wants to be front and center as hockey hits the outdoor once again for the New Year. Sadly, the 2012 iteration will be scant of personality, as the affable Ilya Bryzgalov takes a seat while Sergei Bobrovsky takes his place. 

NBC Sports reports the Philadelphia Flyers star goalie Bryzgalov will not start for the Winter Classic after his constant struggles in goal continued. 

Flyers fans are forced to endure mixed feelings as Bryzgalov fails to live up to the nine-year, $51 million contract with what has been inconsistent play. For now, the Flyers will have the hotter hand in goal for a tremendous clash that has ramifications in pride and in standing. 

The odd part is that Bryzgalov seems to have jumped the gun with his announcement. USA Today quotes a befuddled coach Peter Laviolette. 

"

I have been consistent with how I've handled the announcement of goaltenders. I have not spoken to the goaltenders yet and have not announced anything yet.

"

The difficult part for fans is that even when Bryzgalov is running cold, he is hard not to like. He says exactly what's on his mind. It's that candor that has made him a star in this year's HBO 24/7 coverage of the Winter Classic featuring the Flyers and New York Rangers. 

Those that want to see the mad man in goal will have to settle for sporadic shots of him on the bench cheering on his understudy in an immense game. There is no question that Bryzgalov would want things to be different. 

The star relayed to reporters on the question of whether he was disappointed, "of course. I'm a human. I'm not made from steel." Via USA Today

Once again, we see that marquee games are great, but they are rarely perfect. If that were the case, Bryzgalov would be entertaining from the net on Monday. 

Follow @gabezal