Anaheim Ducks Where Are They Now? The Cosmonaut Ilya Bryzgalov

His otherworldly career ended badly in Anaheim a couple of years ago. But Ilya Bryzgalov should always be revered by Anaheim Ducks fans.

Bryzgalov in Ducks History (Before the Quotes)

Former Anaheim Ducks goalie Ilya Bryzgalov, known at home in Russia as Илья Брызгалов, was selected in the second round of the 2000 entry draft. He didn’t really take hold in the NHL until the 2005-2006 season. Even then, he was greatly overshadowed by already legendary J. S. Giguere.

Bryzgalov’s biggest contribution to the team at that point was standing up for teammates like he did when Chris Pronger returned to Edmonton after forcing a trade to the Ducks. Fans in Edmonton were not pleased with Pronger. When asked about Pronger’s return, Bryz asked back, “It’s a hockey, you know? It’s only game. Why you heff to be mad? He’s a good guy.” We were just beginning to see what made Bryz so special.

Anaheim fans may remember Bryzgalov’s contribution to the Stanley Cup run. But many forget he had experience in stepping in for Giguere when it mattered most. Late in the 2005-06 season, Giguere was hobbled by a groin injury. Bryzgalov stepped in and won games six and seven of the opening round series against the Calgary Flames. Then he swept the Colorado Avalanche in the second round before Giguere was able to return in the Conference Final loss to the Edmonton Oilers.

Bryzgalov’s Biggest Save

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The 2006-07 Ducks team was loaded and ready to face down their demons, namely the Detroit Red Wings. First, they had to survive to the Conference Final. Giguere, the Conn Smythe Trophy winner (Playoff MVP) for his 2003 masterpiece of a run to game seven of the Stanley Cup Final, was clearly the starting goalie going into the playoffs. At that time, his son was born with some abnormalities, and Giguere’s whole world went upside-down just when the Ducks needed him the most.

If Ducks fans remember nothing else about Ilya Bryzgalov, they have to remember his contribution to their 2007 run to the Stanley Cup. With Giguere unable to play while he stayed with his wife and son, Bryzgalov won the first three games of their opening series against the Vancouver Canucks. He gave up only four goals in the three games. Without Bryzgalov, the Ducks would never have hoisted the Stanley Cup.

Where Did He Go?

Anaheim Ducks general manager Brian Burke was a man of his word. He made a promise to his young cosmonaut of a goalie. J. S. Giguere was going to be the Ducks’ starting goalie going forward.

Bryzgalov wanted to be a number one goalie. Given all he had done for the team, and knowing Jonas Hiller was up-and-coming, Burke promised Bryzgalov he would release him if he couldn’t find a trade partner. That would let Bryz get a shot as some team’s primary netminder after the Stanley Cup run.

The off-season came and went, and Burke couldn’t find a trade partner. The main problem preventing a trade was Bryzgalov’s contract status. Bryz was to be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2007-08 season. So Burke kept his word and released Bryzgalov, knowing the division rival Phoenix Coyotes would claim him.

Bryzgalov stayed on with the Coyotes and signed a huge 9-year, $51 million free-agent deal with the Philadelphia Flyers in 2010. It didn’t go well. The media never let off of Bryz, prompting him to tell them, “You’ve got to do your job better.”

He also made stops along the way with the Las Vegas Wranglers, Edmonton Oilers, and Minnesota Wild. Then Ducks general manager Bob Murray gave the Russian quote machine one last shot, signing him to a one-year contract in December of 2014. By February of the same season, Bryzgalov had been released and would play hockey in the NHL no longer.

Where Is Ilya Bryzgalov Now?

Unfortunately, Bryz appears to have retired where he made his money, around Philadelphia. Since he retired, Bryzgalov has saved the NHL All-Star game. He made the days between Stanley Cup Final games bearable. He’s equally entertaining on video and in writing. If you’re a fan of the game Overwatch, he’s even in there with his, “Why you heff to be mad?” quote.

Next: Prospect Spotlight - Julius Nattinen

How is it the Ducks don’t have Ilya Bryzgalov employed as an announcer? He’s entertaining. Bryz will always have something worthwhile to talk about. Both fans and the media love the guy. If you’re picking a former Ducks goalie to be on screen every game, Guy Hebert can’t be the choice. Bryzgalov is your man. It’s time to replace Guy’s Keys with Bryz’s Business. Get busy Ducks!