Key For Flyers And Bryzgalov Is To Just Win

I know the title may sound kind of simple and silly, but it really is true when you think about it.  The Flyers have won their last three games over the Islanders, Capitals, and last night they beat the Red Wings by a final of 3-2.  It's safe to say that goalie Ilya Bryzgalov played a large part in all three of those victories.

And as the Flyers win not only do they gain points in the standings, but perhaps more importantly the attention slowly begins to shift away from Bryzgalov.  It's really simple: when the Flyers are losing, naturally people blame Bryzgalov.  The added attention toward Bryz unfortunately doesn't serve as motivation.  It actually has a reverse effect and seems to make Bryz tense up and play worse.  His every move is under a microscope, and experts and fans begin to bash the guy saying he isn't good enough.

But when the Flyers win, nobody really talks about Bryz at all.  He seemingly flies under the radar and is able to just play his game.  He doesn't have to worry about being critiqued by fans or experts, and he can just go out there and play hockey.

Under the radar and away from the center of attention is the perfect place for Bryzgalov.  We are officially in the final month of the regular season, and if Bryzgalov and the Flyers can get hot and go on a big winning streak, they can ride that momentum right into the playoffs.  Hopefully a shutout over the Caps and a big win over Detroit will help to spark that run and keep this winning streak going.  And I really think that the Flyers can catch the Rangers if everyone begins to click at the same time.

The Flyers next game will be Thursday when they host the Florida Panthers.