Claude Giroux sat down with coach Peter Laviolette on Friday. He admits that frustration has taken his game down.
Last few games, Im playing frustrated. Im out of position because I want to do too much, said Giroux, who has hit a wall with just two goals in his last 13 games.
I think I got to relax. I had a meeting with Lavy today. Kind of talked about it. I think its good to put it behind you. This stretch of bad is going to make us stronger. Even if its not good, we got to look at it as a positive.
He says there is nothing major bothering him on the ice.
Its little details, he said. Playing good defense, being in position. Playing frustrated is not the way to play it ... I like to put pressure on myself a little bit. Its when I play my best.
Since the 23-year-old centerman re-entered the Flyers lineup last month, coming back from a concussion, his offensive game has vanished.
His best performance in the 13 games since his return -- Dec. 21 at Dallas -- was a four-point game, but he has 11 points since returning.
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Its just a matter of time, Laviolette said. His skill level is still there. His competitive nature is still there. Things will turn.
Laviolette thought the meeting with Giroux went well.
Generally speaking, about players and teams, negativity doesnt help solve anything, Laviolette said. But yet we want to carry itbring it with you.
Youre irritated and agitated. Usually, it doesnt do any good. Youre better off turning the page and taking a step forward and taking on the Devils Saturday.
Recent history throughout the NHL has shown us that players coming back from a concussion almost always have an initial upswing in production and then taper off.
A factor to consider here is that linemate Jaromir Jagr missed two games with a groin injury and has not been the same since the month of January began.
Jagr is playing at less than 100 percent and given the fact he and Giroux feed off each other, if one player is hurting, the others offensive production is likely going to suffer as well.
Over the last four games, Giroux, who remains a viable candidate for the NHL scoring title, is minus-6, which is very unlike him.
Giroux says nothing is bothering him physically.
Youre talking about somebody who has his success, not only through his skill level but his competitive nature, Laviolette said.
Sometimes when things dont go your way, you compete harder. Youre bringing more on yourself. Sometimes, good advice is to continue to turn the page and let yesterday be yesterday. Have fun with tomorrow.
I have a lot of confidence in Claude that he is going to be fine. It happens. Through the course of a season when a team doesnt play exactly as it wants through a five-game segment or seven-game segment, I think the same holds true for players.
Laviolette has been patient in not breaking up his line with Jagr and Scott Hartnell.
Is there any temptation for me? No, he said. Ive tried to be patient all year with the power play and lines and I will continue to do that.
You start doing that when you dont have confidence and start to believe there is no way out. That theres a different answer coming than what they are dealing with. I do believe they have a talent and there is chemistry there.
That was welcomed news for Giroux.
I like my line, Giroux said. Obviously, the last few games havent been what we wanted to. Hopefully, we can turn it around soon.
Its good to play with the same players a long time. You kind of know what he is going do. We play a lot of good games together
Thats what the Flyers are counting on for the future, too.
E-mail Tim Panaccio at tpanotch@comcast.net