Philadelphia Flyers' fans have had the pleasure of watching their 2006 1st round pick (22nd overall) really begin to come into his own this year.
In his first call up in 2007, Claude Giroux didn't make a big splash, but that year he put up 106 points in 55 games with the Gatineau Olympiques in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. The next year (last season), he proved to be one of the Philadelphia's brightest rising stars with 27 points in 42 games. On top of that was his 5 points in 6 playoff games.
This season, Giroux has picked up the pace and has 3 goals, and added 13 assists for a total of 16 points in 22 games. His primary strength has been his ability to set up the play, and bounce between wing and center on a variety of lines.
The Flyers' coaching staff, led by John Stevens, has rewarded Girous (only 21 years old) with ample playing time (averaging 16:29 minutes per game), and it's beginning to pay dividends. With the amount of injuries suffered around the NHL and on the Flyers, Giroux has made the most of his opportunities.
Keep your eyes on this guy; he's an exciting blend of hockey smarts, playmaking ability and deep-driven passion.
Regular information on the Flyers is provided by the Philadelphia Flyers Examiner.
For your viewing pleasure is Claude Giroux's game winning shootout goal against last year's Vezina winning goalie, Tim Thomas of Boston.
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