Ilya Bryzgalov’s been in some tough spots this season,* from being without an NHL gig to meeting two new sets of teammates. Wednesday presented maybe the toughest one yet: replacing Darcy Kuemper in the Minnesota Wild’s net with a bit more than eight minutes remaining in Game 7.
The margin of error couldn’t be much smaller: the Colorado Avalanche lead 4-3 with precious little time, so any goals allowed could very well stunt a comeback attempt.
Kuemper may want a goal or two back - particularly Erik Johnson’s tally - but the belief is that his health challenges might have gotten the best of him.
Kuemper hit his head on Suter when Duchene knocked him down. He had a concussion for a month.
— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) May 1, 2014
We’ll see if the Wild can tie things up to give Bryzgalov a real chance to put his own stamp on this game (and series).
* - Waits for “in Edmonton” jokes ...