Bryzgalov is in opposite net now

Their stalls once stood side by side in the Ducks’ dressing room and when one faltered, the other usually picked up the slack.

Jean-Sebastien Giguere and Ilya Bryzgalov pushed each other over the last two seasons to form a goaltending tandem unlike any in the club’s history. But once Giguere signed a four-year, $24-million extension after the Ducks’ triumphant run to the Stanley Cup, the chance that Bryzgalov would ever get the No. 1 job appeared to dim.

Bryzgalov now has the role he always wanted, only it’s in Phoenix. Now the two could be at opposite ends of the ice today when the Ducks play the Coyotes at the Honda Center. Giguere is thrilled for his former teammate.

“I’m really happy that he has this chance,” Giguere said. “A real good chance to be the No. 1 goalie. I’m hoping that he takes full advantage of it.”

The Ducks put Bryzgalov on waivers last week when it became apparent teams were unwilling to trade for a potential unrestricted free agent even though General Manager Brian Burke’s asking price steadily fell.

The presence of Giguere and highly touted signee Jonas Hiller made Bryzgalov expendable and the Coyotes claimed him after three other teams passed. Since then, the 27-year-old has won both of his starts, stopping a combined 56 of 57 shots in two victories against the Kings.

Bryzgalov went 9-5 for the Ducks in the last two playoffs with a 1.68 goals-against average. He led them to series wins over Calgary and Colorado two years ago while Giguere was hurt and ineffective. Included in that were three consecutive shutouts, tying an NHL record.

“How can we say [anything] but positives,” Ducks Coach Randy Carlyle said of Bryzgalov. “The guy came in and basically won two playoff rounds for us prior to last year. He came in [last season] and carried the workload in the first round against Minnesota. Then in the fourth game, Jiggy grabbed the net and went the rest of the way.”

The Ducks ultimately decided on the veteran Giguere, who proved to be more consistent. Bryzgalov now has his chance to show he can do it over the long haul.

TODAY

vs. Phoenix, 1 p.m., FSN Prime Ticket

Site -- Honda Center.

Radio -- 830.

Records -- Ducks 10-9-3, Coyotes 9-10-0.

Record vs. Coyotes -- 1-1-0.

Update -- The Ducks plan to acknowledge Bryzgalov during the game. “People seemed to really like Bryz here,” Giguere said. “He’s not going to get booed, I know that.”

Tickets -- (877) 945-3946.

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eric.stephens@latimes.com