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Bryzgalov? A question mark
10 мая 2014 года. Chicago Tribune  

Ilya Bryzgalov had one of his moments this week.

The Wild's rental goalie was discussing his second chance in these playoffs after being benched in Game 2 of the Avalanche series.

He was asked about his mental approach to that demotion, knowing he might not get another shot in a Wild uniform.

"Like all professional athletes, you've got to come to the practice rink every day and we have to do whatever they ask us to do," he said. "You have to keep yourself in shape because you never know what's going to happen. Obviously, if you ...."

He stopped in midsentence and paused for seven awkward seconds. He had a blank expression. Then he started laughing.

"I forgot the question," he admitted.

Hard to blame the guy. Until Game 3 of this Western Conference semifinal series, Brygzalov -- as well as Wild coach Mike Yeo -- basically only heard a variation of the same question regarding the team's goalie situation: Can this actually work?

That story angle took a temporary hiatus after Bryzgalov pitched a shutout in a 4-0 victory against the Blackhawks in Game 3 on Tuesday. Bryzgalov faced only 19 shots to earn his fourth career postseason shutout and first since 2006.

The Wild didn't need their goalie to be spectacular, just good enough. He was, which allowed everyone to ignore the elephant in the room for one night.

He wasn't as good in Game 4 on Friday night, but he still was good enough. He made 18 saves in the Wild's 4-2 victory that evened the series at 2-2.

Truth is, we don't know if Bryzgalov has it in him to be superb. He showed signs during his hot streak late in the regular season, but the playoffs are different.

"I just appreciate that I have a chance to play again," he said.
Страничка Ильи Брызгалова на сайте "Звёзды с Востока"

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