It appears Giroux will return vs. Dallas

Share

DALLAS -- Guess whos coming to Dallas wearing Flyers colors.

How about Claude Giroux? While its not 100 percent certain, all signs point to the Flyers concussed center returning to the lineup Wednesday night against the Stars, a game that will air on VERSUS.

At least two teammates are pretty certain he will play, and Giroux himself has kept open the possibility, saying, if he takes warm-ups tomorrow, hes in.

There is no morning skate.

Giroux has missed the past four games with a concussion since taking an accidental knee to the back of the head from teammate Wayne Simmonds on Dec. 10 against Tampa Bay.

He had another hard practice on Tuesday at American Airlines Center and came through it fine. One twist: his power play unit was different Tuesday with Jakub Voracek replacing SimmondsScott Hartnell, who alternated there. Jaromir Jagr remains on the top unit, naturally.

I try not to think about coming back, just go day by day, but obviously, today was pretty good, Giroux said.

Asked how hell know hes ready to return, Giroux paused then said, I dont know, while Jagr shouted from behind, Watch the game.

Then Giroux said, If you see me in warm-ups, that means Im going to play.

And what is the likelihood of that happening?

Soon probably, if it keeps getting better like that, he said.

Against the Stars then?

Ah, maybe.

A couple players said from talking to him, they expect him on the ice against Dallas.

Giroux also took some physical contact today from defenseman Braydon Coburn, which is a prerequisite before he can re-enter the lineup.

Cobie hit me a little bit and I felt good, too, Giroux said.

Of course, Giroux has to get medical clearance from the Flyers' doctors and general manager Paul Holmgren, who is not on the trip.

The Flyers released a late injury report from Holmgren that read: Giroux: has made positive strides over the past few days, now listed day to day.

Holmgren later said in a text to CSNPhilly.com that Giroux was cleared for "all activity" last Saturday.

Coach Peter Laviolette would not commit one way or the other, but said it was good to see Giroux banging around on the ice.

Laviolette did his usual playful taunting with the media, saying it would be illegal for him to comment when this is strictly Holmgrens territory.

These decisions are way further than me, he said. With regard to whether a player is healthy and ready. Thats why we have a staff in place and conversations through the trainer, general manager, the doctors and everyone else.

Laviolette said that Giroux looked really good on the ice.

In other words, ready to play, no?
E-mail Tim Panaccio at tpanotch@comcast.net

Contact Us