Ilya Bryzgalov Leads NHL in Shutouts

With 8 shutouts Ilya Bryzgalov now leads the NHL in shutouts this season. His most recent one was on March 13th against the Carolina Hurricanes where he was out shot 29-20 in a 4-0 win. Bryzgalov was also named the first star of the game.

"He was good and made saves," Maurice said. "He had a bunch that he just made a lot easier than they were. He didn't give any back."

Bryzgalov made a great breakaway save on Erik Cole in the first and robbed Rod Brind'Amour with his glove on a two-man Carolina advantage early in the third period.

"Tonight we played very well," Bryzgalov said. "This is kind of Coyotes road-game hockey."

The next closest goalies in the shutout column is Thomas Vokoun and Craig Anderson who are very close behind him with 7 shutouts this season.

Illya Bryzgalov, First Star of the Week

29 year old Illya Bryzgalov of the Phoenix Coyotes was named the first star of the week in the NHL. The Coyotes were not expected to have a good season but Bryzgalov is proving the exact opposite of what the media was saying. He has posted a 5 win, 1 loss record with an amazing 1.14 goals against average, a .953 save percentage, and 2 shutouts. The Coyotes might end up having a better season than expected thanks to star goalie Illya Bryzgalov.