NHL Playoffs 2012: Ilya Bryzgalov Shows He's Not Afraid of Bears Either

Ilya Bryzgalov is easily the most quotable player in the NHL.

He's a peacemaker, philosopher, animal-lover and goaltender of the Philadelphia Flyers.

Leading up to Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Pittsburgh Penguins, Ilya was asked what he's scared of most in the series against the Penguins.

And that led to this priceless response:

For those whose computers are video handicapped, Bryzgalov answered that he's only "afraid of bear in forest."

Penguins fans did not fall on deaf ears though. 

They showed up with bear costumes all over the Consol Energy Center. At first it seemed like it was working as Bryzgalov allowed three goals in the first period. 

But the longer you are exposed to your fears, the easier it becomes to tame them. Bryzgalov stared down those bears with his eyes and was able to stifle the Penguins for the last two periods as his Flyers rallied back from down three goals and won Game 1 of the series.

That being said, kudos to Pens fans for being well prepared on such short notice. Philadelphia fans have won the battle against Pens fans in recent years in terms of creativeness. We all remember the "No Diving" signs that Flyer fans made for Sidney Crosby earlier in his career. 

However, the Penguins' fans are catching up. Unfortunately for them, they're winning the wrong battle as the Flyers have a 1-0 lead in the series now.