If the hockey gods exist, then we should probably start getting ready for Ilya Bryzgalov in a Pittsburgh Penguins sweater.
The flighty veteran netminder is currently unemployed after he was bought out of a monstrous contract by the Philadelphia Flyers, and there’s been very little — if any — interest in Bryzgalov this offseason. Bryzgalov was apparently so untouchable that even 39-year-old Tim Thomas got a contract with the Florida Panthers despite the fact he sat out all of last season.
However, there may be hope for Bryzgalov yet. That hope also extends to hockey fans who love a good story. Lisa Hillary reported over the weekend the Penguins have some interest in the veteran goalie.
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The Pens could certainly use goaltending help. Marc-Andre Fleury‘s effectiveness is unknown to say the least after a shaky 2013, while Tomas Vokoun “nearly died” from blood clots and is out indefinitely.
However, a Bryzgalov-to-Pittsburgh deal is far from done or imminent. In fact, there may not be much to the rumor at all, according to Pittsburgh Tribune-Review beat writer Josh Yohe.
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Bummer. Bryzgalov certainly has history with the Penguins as Bryzgalov’s former team, the Flyers, has really developed a nasty rivalry with the Penguins in the last few years. The 33-year-old appeared in 40 games lasts season and was very unimpressive. Bryzgalov went just 19-17-3 with a 2.79 goals against average and a .900 save percentage.
