Bryzgalov has fun with taunts from Jets fans

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WINNIPEG, ManitobaThey were chanting, Ilya, Ilya.

Back in Philly, people watching the game on Comcast SportsNet no doubt wondered if the derisive chants were actually getting into the Ilya Bryzgalovs fragile mind and messing with his head.

Guess what? The Bryz had some fun with it, instead.

You know, I like it, he said. Its great atmosphere. I wished every building was going to be supportive like that. They going to support me like here. It was nice to hear cheering, Ilya, Ilya.

I never heard that before anywhere. When 15,000 people support you, its a great present.

Just like Philly, huh?

No, Bryzgalov replied. Here there is cheering. In Philly, they boo me.

Some people remain puzzled by Bryzs comment from last Saturday about the boos and criticism he is receiving from Flyers fans.

I will try to find peace in my soul to play in this city, he said after that 6-4 loss to Pittsburgh.

Flyers coach Peter Laviolette was asked about the comment before Tuesdays game against the Jets.

When it comes to his comments, its probably best that he talks about his comments, Laviolette said. Id be guessing at what he said or thought or what he meant. When you want to find out what somebody is saying, you should ask them.

I heard the comments, yes.

Did Laviolette speak with Bryzgalov about this particular comment, which seems to suggest the fans have gotten into his head?

Theres been conversations with players all the time. I dont like to bring them to the public through media. There is always conversations with players. Not all the time. I just dont like to talk about what was said at meetingsIm not going to comment on it.

Shots
The Flyers had 55 shots against Winnipeg goalie Ondrej Pavelec. They had 48 shots in the 9-8 loss to Winnipeg on October 27. According to Elias Sports Bureau, its the first time since the 1984-85 season that the Flyers have posted 48 or more shots against the same team twice in one season:

Oct. 18, 198458 shots in 13-2 win vs. Vancouver
Dec. 28, 198450 shots in 7-4 win at Vancouver

The 55 shots also tied a Flyers franchise record for most shots in a road game. The Flyers had 55 shots in a 4-3 overtime win at Boston on March 1, 2007.

Loose pucks
Bryzgalov finally wore his new black pads he has been breaking in. He also had a matching black stick as well to go along with his black glove and blocker.Eric Wellwood was a scratch and didnt get to play against his older brother, Kyle. Jody Shelley and Andreas Lilja also were scratched.Zac Rinaldo returned from his two-game suspension and played on Sean Couturiers line with Max Talbot.Newly-acquired defenseman Pavel Kubina, who has a celebrated right-hand cannon from the point, was not on either of the top two power-play units, but did some time as those power plays were winding down to even strength on transition. Assistant coach Joey Mullen, who handles the power play, said Kubina would be worked into the rotation. Kubina had just 45 seconds power-play time overall.Jaromir Jagrs 16th career overtime goal set a new NHL record. He previously shared the record with Mats Sundin, Sergei Fedorov and Patrik Elias.Claude Giroux had a goal and an assist. He has eight points (one goal, seven assists) in his last three games. He recorded a career-high 10 shots in this game. ... Even with the pickup of two new defenseman, the Jets still scored times on their power play as the Flyers have given up two or more power-play goals in three of their last five games, a trend they need to reverse to right themselves for the stretch run. For the month of February, the PK units have yielded 12 goals in 10 games. ... Matt Read and Couturier were on the PK units for two Jets power-play goals, while newcomers Nicklas Grossman and Kubina were on those units for one goal as a combo. Given their both still learning Laviolettes systems, maybe its best to split them up for a few games.

E-mail Tim Panaccio at tpanotch@comcast.net.

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