Stanley Cup Playoffs 2012: How Ilya Bryzgalov Will Bring the Cup to Philadelphia

Call me crazy, but I think somebody has been playing a little possum this year. Luring mediocre shooters into thinking they can contest for the Art Ross Trophy has been Ilya Bryzgalov's M/O so far. Coming, with Stanley Cup expectations from Phoenix via Anaheim via Russia via the universe after signing a fantastically large contract, the furry philosopher has been underwhelming at best. Until now.

While he doesn't seem to have a problem identifying obscure Russian cordials or speaking on topics like hunting endangered species in China, Bryz has had some trouble with the soft goal here and there. The Flyers looked like the team to beat in the Eastern Conference earlier this year, peppering opponents with goals at a breakneck pace. What was hidden in the standings, but not in the stats, was the "star" between the pipes allowing goals at an equally reckless pace.

Overshadowing a potential MVP-type season for Claude Giroux, a return to the NHL for Jaromir Jagr, the loss of team captain Chris Pronger for the season (possibly forever), has been the ineffective play in goal, specifically by the elder of the two Russians in net. Though the fresh-faced Sergei Bobrovsky has had some brilliant play at times, coach Peter Laviolette has thrown him off the case for his more experienced countryman lately.

The consensus in Cup-hungry Philly so far is that Bryzgalov has been a bust. The Flyers offense has been good enough to keep them in playoff relevance. They currently sit well entrenched at fifth place, two points behind the Penguins and two up on New Jersey. With 18 games left, Bryz looks like he's back on the upswing. Winning the last three of four with the lone loss a 1-0 away decision to San Jose, suddenly Bryzgalov is looking every bit the $51 million man the Flyers thought they had signed in June.

The Flyers' 1-0 win last night in Washington against a desperate Capitals team showcased everything Bryzgalov was supposed to be this season. He commanded his crease, made the routine saves look, well routine for a change,and made the difficult saves look easy. Sixty minutes and 34 frantic shots later, Bryzgalov finds himself in unfamiliar territory: on a roll, and out of the doghouse.

So Flyer fans, now is the time to embrace your embattled goaltender. Sure, his numbers this year don't approach his career stats, but Bryz appears to be gaining confidence in the right part of the year. His play recently doesn't reflect the same guy who was quoted in October as saying he was "lost in the woods" and "has zero confidence in himself right now." A few more wins like this and the Flyers can improve their playoff position and give their backstop the injection of machismo he's been lacking.

With an average of 33 wins the past four seasons and a career GAA of just under 2.50, Bryzgalov's contract made sense at the time. At age 31, Bryz is at or reaching his peak. His adjustment to the pressure-filled media market, and the weight of expectations have obviously taken its toll to this point.

However, Bryzgalov hasn't forgotten how to play goal,and was bound to figure it out at some point. Fortunately for Philly, he seems to be getting his groove back at just the right time.