It really came as no surprise Monday when Flyers captain Claude Giroux was named first “Star of the Week” by the National Hockey League.
Simply put, Giroux has been performing at a high level practically all year, this after last year’s disappointing campaign.
Giroux scored three goals and three assists this past week, leading the Flyers to a perfect 4-0 mark.
Last year, Giroux was still feeling the effects of abdominal surgery in the spring of 2016. He said the operation didn’t have lasting influence on his performance but clearly he wasn’t himself.
This year, a different story.
Since a move to left wing on Sean Couturier’s line, he’s been lighting it up, especially once Travis Konecny joined the line.
In the past 21 games, the line has scored 27 goals.
The NHL has also recognized Giroux’s brilliance with his recent fifth career appearance in the NHL All-Star Game.
In a mid-season vote of player awards, the Professional Hockey Writers Association voted Giroux third for its Comeback Player Award, trailing only Steve Stamkos and Brian Boyle.
While Couturier and goalie Brian Elliott have enjoyed exceptional seasons, one could make a case for Giroux being the Flyers’ MVP.
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