Examining what Ilya Bryzgalov Brings to the Anaheim Ducks
By Paul Miller
Dec 19, 2014; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Anaheim Ducks goalie Ilya Bryzgalov (80) looks on prior to the game against the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
2. Possibility of a Better Backup
It’s hard to say that Bryzgalov has been better than LaBarbera this season: both have a very limited sample size in terms of games and minutes played. However, Bryzgalov has improved between the two games he played, and only looks to get better.
On the other hand, LaBarbera was consistently average in his games with the Ducks. There was really no indication that he would get any better. Between the two netminders, Bryzgalov could prove to be the more reliable, solid goaltender, despite their contrasting records (Bryzgalov is 0-2-0 with a 4.93 GAA and .836 SV%, while LaBarbera is 2-0-1 with a 2.61 GAA and .909 SV%). Bryzgalov has been a victim of two rather poor outings by the Ducks’ skaters, against Ottawa and New York, while one of LaBarbera’s wins came in relief of Andersen against the Los Angeles Kings.
Next: Realistic Expectations