DENVERClaude Giroux wasnt necessarily expected on the ice for practice Sunday at Pepsi Center.
But the Flyers' No. 1 centerman was indeed there, wearing the yellow no contact jersey and participating in all drills, as well.
He looked good, coach Peter Laviolette said. To get him back on the ice is a lift for everybody. Hes an extremely important part of our team and to see him back on the ice is a positive sign.
This was the first time Giroux has practiced with his teammates since accidentally being concussed by teammate Wayne Simmonds on Dec. 10 against Tampa Bay.
Though Giroux has missed three games, he and Phil Kessel are tied for the league-lead in points with 39.
On Sunday, Giroux was battling hard for pucks, which is not usually protocol for guys wearing the no contact jersey.
When you get on the ice you want to get back in the rhythm and try to go as fast as I could, Giroux said.
NHL
He said he felt very different than last week when he was dizzy, but that his headaches were pretty much gone.
I felt good and I understand its just a process and Ive got to be patient with this, he said.
Giroux is not expected to play until after Christmas. He could very easily miss the Winter Classic. The Flyers realize hes their meal ticket and arent going to push him.
Concussed players have to demonstrate consecutive good days in succession without symptoms. Thats one of the signs of a player ready to return.
At the same time, Giroux was very vague in his replies, adding he did not want to give out any specifics of where he is right now.
Its hard to explain, he said. Every day is a little bit better. Its important to get your rest, eat well and a lot has to do with the mind. Be positive and think it will go away.
Giroux said that seeing Sidney Crosby, who has been re-concussed, throws up red flags in his own recovery.
With Crosby, seeing what happened, you want to be careful and make sure when you come back youre 100 percent, Giroux said.
Its early in the season to jump when youre not feeling 100 percent. Obviously, I want to play and help the team, but Ive got to be patient.
Girouxs only other NHL concussion came during his rookie seasonJan. 2, 2008 at Anaheim when he was struck in the face by the Corey Perrys butt end of his stick.
Perry got a four-game suspension. Giroux missed five games, returning to the lineup 13 days later against Tampa Bay.
E-mail Tim Panaccio at tpanotch@comcast.net