Flyers play waiting game as first round continues

By Dan Gelston

Associated Press

Published: Monday, April 23 2012 2:35 p.m. MDT

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Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov, left, defends as Pittsburgh Penguins' Chris Kunitz goes for the puck during the third period in Game 6 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup first-round playoff series, Sunday, April 22, 2012, in Philadelphia. The Flyers won 5-1 and won the series to advance.

Tom Mihalek, Associated Press

Summary

Ilya Bryzgalov wasn't great for five games of Philadelphia's first-round series vs. Pittsburgh. He wasn't even good.

PHILADELPHIA — Ilya Bryzgalov wasn't great for five games of Philadelphia's first-round series vs. Pittsburgh. He wasn't even good.

But, he was ready to dominate in Game 6. And he delivered.

The Flyers are counting on more performances like his 30-save effort in the clincher against the Penguins to keep them advancing through the Eastern Conference playoffs.

For now, though, the Flyers will wait. Coach Peter Laviolette gave them a day off on Monday, but they will practice the rest of the week, despite the fact that they may not know who they face in Round 2 until late Thursday.

The Flyers publicly insisted they have no rooting interest in the rest of the playoffs. Of course, it might not matter depending on which Bryzgalov shows up. The one who allowed 20 goals in the first five games of Round 1 vs. Pittsburgh. Or the one who had a .968 save percentage in Game 6.

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