Flyers captain Claude Giroux has had a season unlike any other in his NHL career.
The 33-year-old forward has reached two major milestones this season, passing Bobby Clarke for most games played as a Flyers captain and passing Billy Barber for second place in total games played as a Flyer. Giroux also has a chance to pass Brian Propp this season for third all-time in franchise history in points. He currently sits only 17 points behind Propp.
Claude Giroux, unfortunately, had his consecutive games streak snapped at 328 when he missed two contests in February due to COVID-19.
Beyond the career accolades, Giroux has been productive offensively with 18 points in 21 games played. Along with teammates Sean Couturier and Jake Voracek, he provides an integral veteran presence.
He has posted his two most impressive performances of the season in recent weeks. On February 24th, Giroux returned to the lineup against the New York Rangers after the two-game absence and dominated the offensive push for Philadelphia. He finished with three assists and eight shots on goal in a 4-3 victory.
The most notable performance from the Flyers captain this season came against the Pittsburgh Penguins on March 4th in a game the Flyers trailed 3-0 in the opening minutes of play. Giroux led the charge for a furious comeback, notching two goals and an assist in a 4-3 victory.
Giroux has always been described as a playmaker, evidenced by his 14 assists this season.
However, his goal-scoring ability has also proved prominent at times throughout his career, particularly on the power play. Despite a few redirected goals off his shot attempts with the man-advantage this season, Giroux still sits with 0 PPG this season.
Giroux has scored three goals in his last four games after scoring only once in his first 17. Despite the hot streak, his 9% shooting percentage is still below his career average of 11%, giving valid reasoning to expect an increase in goal production moving forward.
Giroux should concentrate on driving chances on the Flyers power play as his main focus for improvement during the second half of the season.
Flyers fans should not expect Claude Giroux to reach statistical career highs at age 33. The continuation of G as a key offensive contributor and a valuable team leader should be the greater points of focus at this point in his career.
Philadelphia’s offensive attack is as well-balanced as it has been at any point since the start of Giroux’s captaincy in 2013, and the team is primed for playoff success as much as any Flyers team during that time span.
Claude Giroux needs to win a Stanley Cup in Philadelphia.