Showing posts with label Ilya Bryzgalov. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ilya Bryzgalov. Show all posts

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Philadelphia Phillies: John McDonald Trade Sets Up Another?


The Philadelphia Phillies' trade for journeyman infielder John McDonald creates the need for a major league roster move to be made by tomorrow 6/28. 

 Ruben Amaro may simply eliminate one of his bench men, or be preparing to trade a starter. Doing so would allow McDonald to take over for someone like Freddy Galvis, or Kevin Frandsen. 

 With whatever happens, this seemingly minor move appears likely to lead to bigger things in the very near future.
(Photo courtesy of bigstory.org)
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I look forward to becoming friends on Facebook  
Let's connect on LinkedIn
Follow me on Twitter @SeanyOB
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Amazon.com is the number 1 online publishing platform in the world. That's why I used it to publish my first ebook: 
Fast Fiction and Other Stuff.

I am humbled by the reception it has received to-date and I thank everyone who has been responding to this digital creation.

This mini-tome is a collection of stories and poems for readers who don't take themselves too seriously. I hope that you enjoy it and am always welcome to your feedback. 
The Philadelphia Flyers' decision to buy out Ilya Bryzgalov had to happen. (Here's a link to my special Yahoo feature on today's deal, for more detailed information.)
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Bryz - Behind the Scenes

When one considers the impatience of this organization over the course of many decades, it seemed unlikely that the team would wait until next year to used it's second amnesty option (after using the first on Danny Briere).

Bryzgalov was quixotic behind the scenes in the locker room during game days and during practices. My own experiences with him weren't negative. 

It was easy for me to see that he's very uncomfortable talking with the media. At times he would avoid coming into the locker room, or not submit to team requests for him to speak to us (the reporters) after some games.

As to why that is touches upon his personality and goes beyond the realm of sports' analysis.

The man has skill for sure. Remember when he carried the Flyers on his franchise-record scoreless streak in March 2012? That was no fluke and came when the team's defense was as shaky as ever and Chris Pronger-less.

Mason

I don't know if Steve Mason will be the team's number 1 come the fall. It will be interesting to see who the 'other' goalie will be, as a veteran option would signal faith in the former Calder Trophy winner for the future.

(Photo courtesy of Sean O'Brien)
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 Feel free to click on a selection of my interviews with broadcasters, actors, models and more...
Martin Brodeur: Discusses His Record-Setting Shutout Total and Key Rivalries 
Jaromir Jagr: Current NHL Forward and Future Hall of Famer
Philadelphia Flyers' Bernie Parent: Postgame reflections 
Bobby Clarke: Philadelphia Flyers' Legend Talks Hockey
Ron Hextall Recalls His Greatest Season
Kerry Fraser: NHL Referee is Still Making the Right Calls

It only takes a few minutes to read some of my other stories  whose links are shown below:

Horror Story: It Was Crawling Up My Chest!
Television Haiku Poem
My First Car Was An All-Time Classic
The Best Holiday Memories

When Baseball Cards Were King
Could One Baseball Shatter The Summer?
The Night Lenny Dykstra Was Swinging In The Rain
5 Traits of Hardcore Philadelphia Phillies' Fans

Philadelphia Flyers' Topps Hockey Card Mystery Revealed
5 Lessons Flyers' Fans Have Taught The Hockey World
5 Traits Old School Flyers' Fans Possess
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Visit my Rant Sports Author Page, my Examiner Contributor Page, or my Yahoo Contributor Page.
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Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Behind the Scenes: Philadelphia Flyers' Ilya Bryzgalov Buyout


The Philadelphia Flyers' decision to buyout Ilya Bryzgalov had to happen. 

 (Here's a link to my special Yahoo feature on today's deal, for more detailed information.)

 Bryz - Behind the Scenes

 When one considers the impatience of this organization over the course of many decades, it seemed unlikely that the team would wait until next year to used it's second amnesty option (after using the first on Danny Briere).

 Bryzgalov was quixotic behind the scenes in the locker room during game days and during practices. My own experiences with him weren't negative. 

 It was easy for me to see that he's very uncomfortable talking with the media. At times he would avoid coming into the locker room, or not submit to team requests for him to speak to us (the reporters) after some games.

 As to why that is touches upon his personality and goes beyond the realm of sports' analysis.

 The man has skill for sure. Remember when he carried the Flyers on his franchise-record scoreless streak in March 2012? That was no fluke and came when the team's defense was as shaky as ever and Chris Pronger-less.

 Mason

 I don't know if Steve Mason will be the team's number 1 come the fall. It will be interesting to see who the 'other' goalie will be, as a veteran option would signal faith in the former Calder Trophy winner for the future.

(Photo courtesy of Sean O'Brien)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I look forward to becoming friends on Facebook  
Let's connect on LinkedIn
Follow me on Twitter @SeanyOB
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Feel free to click on a selection of my interviews with broadcasters, actors, models and more...
Martin Brodeur: Discusses His Record-Setting Shutout Total and Key Rivalries 
Jaromir Jagr: Current NHL Forward and Future Hall of Famer
Philadelphia Flyers' Bernie Parent: Postgame reflections 
Bobby Clarke: Philadelphia Flyers' Legend Talks Hockey
Ron Hextall Recalls His Greatest Season
Kerry Fraser: NHL Referee is Still Making the Right Calls

Amazon.com is the number 1 online publishing platform in the world. That's why I used it to publish my first ebook: 
Fast Fiction and Other Stuff.

I am humbled by the reception it has received to-date and I thank everyone who has been responding to this digital creation.

This mini-tome is a collection of stories and poems for readers who don't take themselves too seriously. I hope that you enjoy it and am always welcome to your feedback. 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It only takes a few minutes to read some of my other stories  whose links are shown below:

Horror Story: It Was Crawling Up My Chest!
Television Haiku Poem
My First Car Was An All-Time Classic
The Best Holiday Memories

When Baseball Cards Were King
Could One Baseball Shatter The Summer?
The Night Lenny Dykstra Was Swinging In The Rain
5 Traits of Hardcore Philadelphia Phillies' Fans

Philadelphia Flyers' Topps Hockey Card Mystery Revealed
5 Lessons Flyers' Fans Have Taught The Hockey World
5 Traits Old School Flyers' Fans Possess
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Visit my Rant Sports Author Page, my Examiner Contributor Page, or my Yahoo Contributor Page.
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Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Philadelphia Flyers: Ilya Bryzgalov Amnesty Card and Bobby Ryan Trade?


Rumors are swirling that the Philadelphia Flyers may use their second amnesty option on Ilya Bryzgalov. But, gossip isn't reality just yet.

 Dealing the amnesty card

 Along with many other media members who cover the team, I speculated in a late-April feature that Paul Holmgren might opt to exile 'Bryz' for money reasons. 

 However, the Flyers' top front office boss will likely want to have another goaltending piece in place if he does make this move. 

 Tim Thomas is old, but available, in case any Jonathan Bernier deal with the Los Angeles Kings is too costly. There are some other crease options available as well. 

 Duck on the Schuylkill Expressway?

 Bobby Ryan's name has been mentioned as a future Flyer for a number of years. 

 Tim Panaccio reports that the Anaheim Ducks are working on a deal that could send Ryan to the Flyers for Braydon Coburn and their first-round pick (11th overall) in the draft.  Other options are being discussed as well. 

 That type of trade would make sense, as a salary exchange would have to occur in order to keep Philadelphia withing the confines of the salary cap. 

 The soon-to-be announced Mark Streit signing will be just one element in a very interesting off-season.

(Photo courtesy of Sean O'Brien) 
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I look forward to becoming friends on Facebook  
Let's connect on LinkedIn
Follow me on Twitter @SeanyOB
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Feel free to click on a selection of my interviews with broadcasters, actors, models and more...
Martin Brodeur: Discusses His Record-Setting Shutout Total and Key Rivalries 
Jaromir Jagr: Current NHL Forward and Future Hall of Famer
Philadelphia Flyers' Bernie Parent: Postgame reflections 
Bobby Clarke: Philadelphia Flyers' Legend Talks Hockey
Ron Hextall Recalls His Greatest Season
Kerry Fraser: NHL Referee is Still Making the Right Calls

Amazon.com is the number 1 online publishing platform in the world. That's why I used it to publish my first ebook: 
Fast Fiction and Other Stuff.

I am humbled by the reception it has received to-date and I thank everyone who has been responding to this digital creation.

This mini-tome is a collection of stories and poems for readers who don't take themselves too seriously. I hope that you enjoy it and am always welcome to your feedback. 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It only takes a few minutes to read some of my other stories  whose links are shown below:

Horror Story: It Was Crawling Up My Chest!
Television Haiku Poem
My First Car Was An All-Time Classic
The Best Holiday Memories

When Baseball Cards Were King
Could One Baseball Shatter The Summer?
The Night Lenny Dykstra Was Swinging In The Rain
5 Traits of Hardcore Philadelphia Phillies' Fans

Philadelphia Flyers' Topps Hockey Card Mystery Revealed
5 Lessons Flyers' Fans Have Taught The Hockey World
5 Traits Old School Flyers' Fans Possess
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Visit my Rant Sports Author Page, my Examiner Contributor Page, or my Yahoo Contributor Page.
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Friday, June 14, 2013

NHL Rumors: Philadelphia Flyers May Buyout Ilya Bryzgalov


According to a Philadelphia-based media report: The Philadelphia Flyers might exercise both amnesty options this summer. 

The first amnesty option will almost certainly be used for veteran forward Danny Briere. The second may be used for goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov. 

The Flyers have never been a patient organization. So, it seems at least plausible that they would opt to use both amnesty options this off-season, rather than waiting until next year to either use both, or to exercise their second exile option. 

This situation could play out as soon as 48 hours after the Stanley Cup has been won, or up to 5 p.m. on June 30, which will be amateur draft day. 

If they do cut 'Bryz' a massive check and tell him to leave town it will be a monumental admission of error and likely create a season (or possibly two) that will determine general manager Paul Holmgren's fate.

(Photo courtesy of Sean O'Brien) 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 I look forward to becoming friends on Facebook  
Let's connect on LinkedIn
Follow me on Twitter @SeanyOB
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Feel free to click on a selection of my interviews with broadcasters, actors, models and more...
Martin Brodeur: Discusses His Record-Setting Shutout Total and Key Rivalries 
Jaromir Jagr: Current NHL Forward and Future Hall of Famer
Philadelphia Flyers' Bernie Parent: Postgame reflections 
Bobby Clarke: Philadelphia Flyers' Legend Talks Hockey
Ron Hextall Recalls His Greatest Season
Kerry Fraser: NHL Referee is Still Making the Right Calls

 Amazon.com is the number 1 online publishing platform in the world. That's why I used it to publish my first ebook: 
Fast Fiction and Other Stuff.

I am humbled by the reception it has received to-date and I thank everyone who has been responding to this digital creation.

This mini-tome is a collection of stories and poems for readers who don't take themselves too seriously. I hope that you enjoy it and am always welcome to your feedback. 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 It only takes a few minutes to read some of my other stories  whose links are shown below:

Horror Story: It Was Crawling Up My Chest!
Television Haiku Poem
My First Car Was An All-Time Classic
The Best Holiday Memories

When Baseball Cards Were King
Could One Baseball Shatter The Summer?
The Night Lenny Dykstra Was Swinging In The Rain
5 Traits of Hardcore Philadelphia Phillies' Fans

Philadelphia Flyers' Topps Hockey Card Mystery Revealed
5 Lessons Flyers' Fans Have Taught The Hockey World
5 Traits Old School Flyers' Fans Possess
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Visit my Rant Sports Author Page, my Examiner Contributor Page, or my Yahoo Contributor Page.
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Thursday, April 18, 2013

Philadelphia Flyers: Amnesty for Briere and Bryzgalov?




One of the new elements that will be part of this NHL off-season is amnesty. 

 As the Philadelphia Flyers consider who to amnesty (and when to do so) the name of Danny Briere has naturally entered the media conversation. Two guaranteed years, with an accompanying $6.5 million per season salary cap hit, makes him a clear candidate for roster removal. 

 However...simply removing that money won't help the Flyers to gain much cap space because the cap ceiling will be lowered to $64.3 million starting next season. 

 While other players and their salaries will also be subtracted before next season begins, will the team have enough money to truly reload if they decide that Briere is the only amnesty option?

 Considering all pending free agents: Simon Gagne, Ruslan Fedotenko, etc., there will be more money released. But, one has to wonder if Bryz will be among the missing.

 It's hardly certain, but would symbolize a deep consensus to move forward aggressively.
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Interviews with broadcasters, actors, models and more...

Interviews with famous athletes and sports' personalities...

Allison Baver: US Olympian Facing Every Challenge
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I intentionally used Amazon.com to publish my first ebook: 
Fast Fiction and Other Stuff. That platform is the number 1 eBook publishing site in the world. That decision has since proven to be worthwhile in many ways.

Writing and properly editing a book is hard work. Formatting it to fit the digital screen is hardly a creative endeavor. Promoting a book in many forms takes persistence and skill. 

I'm proud of my tome and of the response it has earned to-date. I encourage anyone who has the ability to write and to publish their own work to do so. 

There have been, are and will always be many great stories to tell in our world. Make yours one of them.
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Social media connections are important in life. Here are some of mine:

The Paris Review The best site for readers and writers in the world.

Blessed2Play by Ron Meyer via EWTN

Meltzer's Musings by Bill Meltzer via HockeyBuzz.com 

Jen Groover Her name says it all. Click and you'll know why.

The Sports Critic by Raymond Bureau

Assist Social Media by Elizabeth Maness

Awaken the Magic by Maryellen Brady

Positive Calm by Solvita Bennet

(Over the years I've been honored to write guest posts on various friends' websites. Social media connections, just like all other friendships in life, build trust.)
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I look forward to becoming friends on Facebook  

Let's connect on LinkedIn
Follow me on Twitter @SeanyOB
Visit my RantSports Author Page,
my Examiner Contributor Page,
or my Yahoo Contributor Page 
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My recent feature: State of the Union Address: Commonsense Gun Response Warranted was written in response to an assignment from the Yahoo News editorial team.
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Here is a special feature that highlights many of our collective childhood memories:  When Baseball Cards were King.

I always find myself thinking about those bygone days spent with elementary school friends and family members when the baseball season is being played. Don't ever forget that part of who were are today and part of who we will always be, is forever tied to who we were way back when. 
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The Coolest Old School Philadelphia Phillies feature is one that will make mature fans smile and newer fans wish that they were alive way back when. 
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Whenever the NHL playoff season nears, I recall those 1970s' days when I first began to love this great game. 

Nothing has topped the meaning that the hockey cards mentioned in this piece still hold for me. Here's a link to the article that continues to rank among the most-read features that I've written since 2010...
Topps Hockey Card Mystery is Revealed.
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At the end of 2012, I was ranked among Yahoo.com's Top 100 Contributors. Yahoo cited more than 600,000 paid writers as of the end of that year. Click on my Contributor Page to learn more.
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My most recent Examiner Television feature on the mystery surrounding J.R. Ewing's killer.

I've also included a link to my most recent Yahoo entertainment feature article: Dallas and the Legacy of J.R. Ewing.
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Philadelphia Flyers' Legends
Each of these Flyers' legends (Brian Propp, Dave Poulin and Tim Kerr) deserved their own article. So, that's why these three features were written...
Here is a link to the story about Propp: 
The link to Poulin's piece: 
Philadelphia Flyers' Captain Dave Poulin Earned Permanent Respect
Last, but not least, here's Kerr's link:
Philadelphia Flyers' Tim Kerr Was a True Power Forward
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Here's a link to very popular offbeat feature that's sure to make you laugh: Top 10 Old School Professional Wrestling Characters

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Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Philadelphia Flyers: Behind the scenes - Part 3



My photo, taken inside the Philadelphia Flyers' locker room on March 2, 2013.

I took this photo of Ilya Bryzgalov along with another of Brian Boucher in order to contrast the two goaltenders. 

 "Bryz" remains uneasy in front of the media. He's clearly been coached on how to handle these moments and has taken a smart route so far this year. He's not offering bites to the hungry crowd and is purely focused on the team. 

 In getting to know him up close, I can say that an English language barrier (as he is a native Russian speaker) does appear to affect his ability to understand what he hears and to communicate effectively. Bernie Parent, who I interviewed at length one-on-one a few years ago, experienced a similar situation during his career as a native French speaker. 

 Feeling for someone who makes millions of dollars (as Brzygalov does) isn't something that hardened fans are open to. All fans aren't hardened, but a growing amount are and they aren't shy about saying so.

 I like Bryzgalov's skill level and I think that he's trying his best to meet his media commitments this season. People who want him to be who he isn't are have been and remain out of line. How great it would be for him to skate with the Stanley Cup held over his head again someday (he won the Cup in Anaheim earlier in his career, while he was a backup) while wearing the Flyers' crest this time instead.
                                                                                                                                    My photo, taken inside the Philadelphia Flyers' locker room on March 2, 2013.

 On the other hand, "Boosh" is well-known to the Flyers' faithful. An affable guy, who has had a serviceable NHL career, Boucher is playing in the twilight of his hockey years. 

 He's exactly the type of person who will support Bryzgalov this season, while also offering a competent backup effort. He's a good guy who is the type of person who could spend the next part of his career somewhere within the Flyers' scouting department, their coaching staff, or in the front office.

Tomorrow: Behind the scenes with Claude Giroux. 
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I look forward to becoming friends on Facebook  
Let's connect on LinkedIn
Follow me on Twitter @SeanyOB
Visit my RantSports Author Page,
my Examiner Contributor Page,
or my Yahoo Contributor Page 
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Digital Creation


Writing my brief eBook was enjoyable. Making it available to the public by publishing it was exciting.  

A strong thank you to everyone who has been downloading: 
Fast Fiction and Other Stuff on Amazon.com. Your response has been heartwarming.

Humor, horror, mystery, adventure, travel, sports and a few selected stories are all wrapped inside this mini-tome. 
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At the end of 2012, I was ranked among Yahoo.com's Top 100 Contributors. Yahoo cites more than 600,000 paid writers. Click on my Contributor Page to learn more.
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Some GREAT WEBSITES from some fine digital friends:
The Sports Critic by Raymond Bureau
Positive Calm by Solvita Bennet
Meltzer's Musings via Bill Meltzer at HockeyBuzz.com 
Free eBooks Daily
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Philadelphia Flyers' Legends

Each of these Flyers' legends (Brian Propp, Dave Poulin and Tim Kerr) deserved their own article. So, that's why these three features were written...

Here is a link to the story about Propp: 

The link to Poulin's piece: 
Philadelphia Flyers' Captain Dave Poulin Earned Permanent Respect

Last, but not least, here's Kerr's link:
Philadelphia Flyers' Tim Kerr Was a True Power Forward
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Classic headline: Those great hockey cards
Nothing topped the meaning that these hockey cards still hold. Here is the special feature that still ranks among the most-read articles that I've written since 2011: 
Topps Hockey Card Mystery is Revealed.
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I'm truly humbled that all of my online features have combined to generate millions of documented hits since I first began my digital adventure on Labor Day, 2010. Thank you to all readers.
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Name-dropper 
These are some of the high achievers I've had the opportunity to interview...
Not just sports though...
My recent feature: State of the Union Address: Commonsense Gun Response Warranted was written in response to an assignment from the Yahoo News editorial team after the President of the United States gave his address. 
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Baseball cards
Bygone days spent with elementary school days and family members opening packs of Topps cardboard gold never truly fade away. 
Here is my special feature that highlights many of our collective childhood memories:  When Baseball Cards were King.
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Classic Headline Topic: MMA Phenomena
Here is my most recent feature article about a live XFE Cage Wars event that I attended. I encourage fans of any sport to attend one of these events when you can. The excitement of the crowd and the efforts of the fighters will earn your admiration. 
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