[Maaaasquito]

I just dug this up while researching the other thread...

I'm really starting to re-think whether Bryz is an "elite" goalie? I understand that the Flyers are paying him a huge amount to justify him being an "elite" but is it a situation much like what most poolies fall for which is the "name" factor...

I can understand that after 2 seasons under Dave Tippett he could certainly justify that massive contract that the Flyers offered him... Under the tutelage of Tippett he posted a 78-40-16 record (58 % win %age), 2.39 GAA and .921 SP, but we all know what the effect of a Tippett coached team can have on a goalie. I mean Turco was an "all world" goalie under Tippett and Mike Smith is amongst the league's best this season under Tippett.

So was it because of Tippett that Bryz looked so darn good?

Now the interesting stuff, when Bryz isn't coached by Tippet his stats are 92-84-22 (46.5 % win %age), 2.69 GAA and .909 SP.. I mean they're still pretty decent, but are they "elite"?

I mean Bob has the exact same defensive unit in front of him, but he's posting a 8-2-1 record, a 2.52 GAA and .914 SP. While Bryz is 14-8-3, with a 3.01 GAA and an atrocious .890 SP...

Yes I understand the monetary value involved. But if the Flyers had that much faith in Bryz being the number one, surely a big game like the Winter Classic, you almost have to start Bryz no matter the circumstance don't you? I mean that's sending a huge message to him saying you're benched for one of the biggest games of the year...