Ilya Bryzgalov

When you sign a nine-year, $51 million deal, expectations are heaped upon you.

When you don't live up to those expectations, it's only fair you receive criticism, but when you are made to look foolish or people go out of their way to twist your words, it's not fair.

Let me back up a second, when you're down and they kick you, that's not fair.

So, obviously, the idea of Ilya Bryzgalov as an elite goaltender is not exactly a popular sentiment in Philadelphia (or anywhere) at the moment. And after allowing four or more goals for the fifth time in his last six appearances, fans have the right to be a little worried about their $51-million-dollar man.

But while everyone seems to be taking a doom-and-gloom perspective on the Flyers' goaltending situation, there are reasons for hope.

Ilya Bryzgalov’s season will turn around. And here’s why.

After a fantastic re-enactment of childhood pond-hockey days, Ilya Bryzgalov was interviewed after the game.

Here is what he said: "I have zero confidence in myself right now. I'm terrible. I want to apologize to the fans and my teammates. I don't know what's going on. I have no answer for you guys. I thought the last game in Montreal was the worst, but today was worse."

While the Philadelphia Flyers season is only six games old, we have already learned a few lessons about the 2011-12 team. 

The jury may still be out on players like Jaromir Jagr and Scott Hartnell, but for the players and lessons listed here, the verdict is in. Who is the real deal? Read on to find out. 

Here are five such lessons that we have learned during the Flyers' 4-1-1 start to the season.

As always, comments are welcome and appreciated. Enjoy!

The Philadelphia Flyers had an incredibly active offseason, trading away Mike Richards and Jeff Carter while signing numerous quality players. GM Paul Holmgren used the word "different" to describe this upcoming season's team, which is an understatement.

Last season Tim Thomas took the NHL by storm and captured his second Vezina trophy—awarded to the league's best goaltender—in dominating fashion.  Tim Thomas has two wins in the past three years, Martin Brodeur had four wins in five NHL seasons from 2002-2008, and Dominik Hasek ruled the '90s as he pulled in six trophies.  Despite the award's veteran tendencies, there is always room for a surprise candidate to rule the ice for a year, from Ryan Miller—off an MVP Olympic year—to Jose Theodore, who won the Hart and

The 2011 offseason has been a tumultuous one for Flyers fans. The team traded away a pair of home-grown stars in Jeff Carter and Mike Richards along with about half of the team's 2010-2011 roster. Chris Pronger's health is still in question. Pundits everywhere are saying the team took a massive step back.

But all is not lost. There are plenty of reasons for Flyers fans everywhere to be excited for the 2011-2012 season. And without further ado, they are...

The Coyotes lost their biggest player this off-season, a move that undoubtedly made them a weaker team. By trading Ilya Bryzgalov to the Flyers, the Coyotes have a big hole to fill.

The shopping spree for goalies and defensemen was fast and furious as soon as the free-agent stores were open for business. 

With a recent roster shakeup, the Philadelphia Flyers have moved three of their top five point-scorers from the 2010-2011 season.

Among the group of unloaded players were captain Mike Richards and leading goal-scorer Jeff Carter.