Philadelphia Flyers: Claude Giroux Scoring Again
By Joel
Captain Claude Giroux is scoring again for the Philadelphia Flyers.
Since March 7th, (eight games ago) Claude Giroux has scored in every game, except one. He’s totaled eight points, including two goals along with six assists.
By no means has this season been a good one for Giroux, who is on pace for 60 points, his lowest point output since 2009/10, which was his sophomore season in the Orange and Black. Giroux struggled scoring just five points in February and collecting only one goal in eleven games.
Giroux had scored at least eight points in every other month this season, for 38 points in 46 games. Then something happened, and the center’s production dipped.
Philadelphia Flyers
So why is Giroux struggling? Reports came out last week that the star forward’s hip that he had surgery on this summer, isn’t fully healed. Rumor has that he rushed his recovery to play in the World Cup of Hockey.
"“When you try to make plays that you used to make and you can’t really make them it’s frustrating and confusing,” he said. “… It was new. You’re trying to do the things that you know you can do, it’s just not happening. You try to think a little bit too much about how you can be the player you want to be. It’s not easy. But it’s … you’ve got to work at it. I think it’s more off-ice. You’ve got to go in the gym and make sure your body is feeling good. Mentally before games, you try to make [yourself] feel a little bit better and try to go out there and help the team win.” Adam Kimelman NHL.com"
Giroux mentioned recently that he’s starting to feel more comfortable and gaining his confidence back. This is a good sign for a Flyers team that needs positives going into next season, from their leader and best player.
It’s been a frustrating season, to say the least for the team and Giroux, who isn’t used to low production.
When Giroux scores, this team wins. When the captain was scoring, the orange and black enjoyed a 10 game winning streak and sat near the top of the NHL standings.
When the scoring dried up, the team only won 14 games their last 40, the NHL’s lowest win total through that stretch.
The Flyers are looking like they won’t be taking part in this season’s playoffs. Giroux will get an extended offseason to fully heal and get back into form. The Flyers need and hope next season, Giroux will once again be a top center and the flyers will be a contender.