One of the things that I like about Ilya Bryzgalov is that he is such a refreshing change in the dressing room.
Not too many players get traded to and/or sign a free agent contract with the Flyers and talk lovingly, emotionally and almost get teary-eyed about their former employers and wish them well.
Ilya did that today at Skate Zone. He genuinely wishes the Phoenix Coyotes well and said several times how grateful he was for a chance to showcase himself in the desert.
I'm usually the negative or sarcastic one on the beat, but I detected sincerity with the Bryz.
He was even pretty good talking about how the fans who traveled from Scottsdale to Glendale to see them play deserve credit and deserve to have the team remain in the desert.
As an aside here ... I had lunch with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman this week and asked how the league could re-align without knowing if or when Phoenix' ownership issues would be resolved.
Betttman told me, it didn't matter. Re-alignment can occur regardless and the league will deal with any fallout from PHO after the fact.
But back to the Coyotes and Bryzgalov ...
"Like is said before, I really appreciate everything they did for me," he said. "I wish them the best; I'm really glad they are doing well without me because they deserve it.
"They work extremely hard. They have beautiful people in that organization. Management and coaches and a good group of guys. I have lots of friends out there.
“They have a great coaching group and management and they have pretty good players. Maybe not like superstar players, but a group of guys like Shane Doan, Keith Yandle, a good defense and all the team works together in the offensive and defensive zone.
"Everybody knows their own job and they finish it. Without hard work and discipline it’s tough to get success in this league. This team does this."
He could not seem to tell us what it's going to be like facing the Coyotes on Thursday. Almost like he got flustered with his words.
“I don’t know," he said. "I guess mine will be a little stressed to see. The Phoenix Coyotes. The other side. You’re in a different jersey. Ah, I don’t know. I don’t know. I can tell you tomorrow."
Philadelphia Flyers Blogger • 
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