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Bryzgalov: 'I never lost my first chance, you know'

When goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov joined the Edmonton Oilers for practice Monday morning, he was naturally met with media members who had questions for him. The colorful goaltender didn't mention anything about endangered Tigers, but he did shrug off the idea that he lost his job in Philadelphia.

When a reporter asked if he saw the Oilers as a second chance, Bryzgalov said "What do you mean?" followed by "I never lost my first chance, you know." While Bryzgalov didn't take the buyout personally or take it to mean he had lost his job, he took it as a business decision. 

Bryzgalov isn't bothered by the buyout and explained “Not at all. You know, it’s out of my control. I can’t do anything about it. It’s just like, ‘Ok, guys. If you decide… to make that move, I’ve just got to accept it and move on.’”

Oilers head coach Dallas Eakins said he wasn't worried about the media and Bryzgalov "This is an intelligent guy. There is absolutely no concern about how he was framed in a TV show. It was a turbulent time. It’s over.” It's a new take on the enigmatic Bryzgalov to suggest he was framed, but as Eakins says, it's over.

When asked if he would change anything about the way carries himself, Bryzgalov said "What exactly do you mean? My quality of life? What I’m going to eat in the restaurant? You’ve got to be yourself. I’m going to be myself. And after, guys, you can make the statement and judgments of me. I’m just going to be myself.”

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