Giroux doesn’t practice, won’t play vs. Caps

As expected, Claude Giroux wasnt on the ice with the Flyers at this morning's practice and won't travel with the team to Washington D.C. later today.

Giroux was accidentally kneed in the back of the head in the second period of Saturdays 5-3 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning by teammate Wayne Simmonds, sparking fears he may have sustained a concussion.

He was evaluated immediately after the incident, and didnt play in the third period for precautionary reasons, said general manager Paul Holmgren. He's doing better today, Holmgren said, but will be re-evaluated by team doctors on Tuesday.

Because of the logistics of the Flyers' travel schedule (they fly directly from Washington to Montreal after Tuesday night's game), Giroux is questionable for Thursday's game against the Canadiens, as well.

The Flyers haven't officially updated his status, but it seems increasingly more likely Giroux could have sustained a concussion, or is at least experiencing symptoms strongly enough to keep him from playing.

"I think if it were up to him, he would play tomorrow," linemate Jaromir Jagr said. "On the other side, the doctors have to make sure ... you don't want anything like what happened to Sidney Crosby. You have to be very careful because he's got the talent. You don't look for just the next game. You look for the next 10 years, not only two games."

Giroux, the Flyersand NHLspoints leader (hes got 39) didnt have a headache after the game and, according to Holmgren, felt better on Sunday, but wasnt on the ice with the rest of his team today nonetheless. He was at Skate Zone, but dressed in street clothes and declined to speak to the media.