Can a goaltender really be the differnce in a nine-goal hockey game?

Yes.

Because that's what Ilya Bryzgalov was Wednesday in the Flyers' 5-4 victory over the Vancouver Canucks.

"I think so," James van Riemsdyk said. "They had a lot of power plays and our killers did a good job of doing the best we could."

The Canucks were on the power play four times in the final 14 minutes, then spent the final minute with goaltender Roberto Luongo pulled ... but Bryzgalov stood tall, completing a 36-save night.

Now, the Flyers are 3-0 with wins over both Stanley Cup finalists from last year and the Devils.

Check out my column in the Daily Times Thursday and on delcotimes.com about the much-improved Flyers.