Bryzgalov's Interview to "Sport- Express" 5/14/2012
I would like to offer you excerpts from Bryzgalov's interview to another Russian News paper. I've omitted the parts similar to the interview that has been posted already. Also, some things are losing their meaning/ flavor when translated.
Iliya Bryzgalov: “Whatever Jupiter is Allowed, the Ox is not”
Q: You had a difficult season complicated by media pressure.
A: As a whole, it was an ok season. I was getting used to a new team in the beginning, than we had good stretches, and at the end, we, as a team, were not ready to fight with New Jersey.
Q: North American press pictured you as a main loser of that series…
A: You know, you in Russia are more tolerant to Russian NHL players here. The story is completely different over there. The journalists are very skilled in finger pointing and there is plenty of blame to go around.
Q: Let me voice my support for you
A: (laughing). Thank you! But I am in excellent mood. I tried to do my job honestly along with other team partners. Some certain things we were not able to accomplish, some things we need to continue to work on.
Q: was it difficult to play without Pronger?
A: I can’t comment- Chris was injured in the very beginning of the season. I have nothing to compare to.
Q: it seems that contrary to Flyers failure Pittsburgh loss was overlooked by the North American media and Sidney Crosby and Evgeniy Malkin were forgiven..
A: Please take Malkin out of this equation (laughs). As well as Ovechkin. You know, how the North American press Have written about him for entire season.
Q: Ok, then. Let me rephrase my question. Crosby was one of the worst players of the series, but he has been blameless.
A: Please note- you said that, not me. Now, when thanks to the internet, your words can fly around the world, one need to yield initiative to the press (laughs). You, certainly, know the ancient mythology: “Whatever Jupiter is Allowed, the Ox is not”.
Q: It seems that you have not settled for the role of an Ox. You have been “fencing’ with American journalists for the entire season educating the in philosophy, astronautics, monkeys etc.
A: that’s correct. North Americans are very structured people. But I tried to open new horizons. Perhaps it worked.
Q: It’s common in Russia to discuss everything from sport and politics to science and art. In North America these distractions may cause irritation. Have not you realized it yet? Or you were provoking the press on purpose?
A: Sometimes, it seemed that I make your colleagues’ job more interesting, But then I realized that I need to stick to a so to speak protocol. Something that I had said in private appeared in public places later. So there were some problems.
Q: Who in your opinion will win SC?
A: I have no idea! I’ve had enough of the NHL this season.
Q: Who will you root/ worry about (unable to translate meaningfully here).
A: My wife worries, I am usually calm.
Q: Can you believe that your former club is a contender this year?
A: Why not- Phoenix is a strong team with good coaches and GM. I have many friends in that club. Perhaps, I need to join my wife’s company and root for Coyotes.
Q: Are they favorites in their series?
A: For me? Yes!
Q: What can you say about Devils’ chances?
A: They are good enough to win it. They are a very balanced team. They simply crushed us and won convincingly.
Q: After 4 years in Phoenix, you’ve played a season in the East. Can you compare the strength of the conferences and appreciate differences in playing styles?
A: Oh, I am lost in all these styles. The games are now 1:0 or 2:1 both here and there. Except for us and Pittsburgh (laughs).
Q: You’ve got another 8 years in Philadelphia. How do you feel about this term?
A: Everything is OK.
