The Development of Claude Giroux

I remember when Claude Giroux was first called up in late 2008-2009. His flashiness and undeniable natural ability had people buzzing about the talented young center. It only continued in our first round playoff loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins where he collected 5 points in 6 games and clowned a Penguin defensemen with his skate.

Now while I may be a sucker for French Canadians, I started to get annoyed with Claudey boy last year. He would have me absolutely baffled with triple dekes (thank you coach Bombay) one game then, in a flash, he wouldn't record a point a for a month. He represented everything the Flyers were last year during the regular season; talented, yet misguided and unmotivated, without that needed knack for winning hockey games. But as is well documented, one shoot out and an incredible playoff run changed all of that for the Flyers and Giroux, who went on to score 21 points in 23 games.

Through the first month of the season this kid has continued to be an absolute beast. He's been scoring at a point per game pace and making Top Ten plays a night (if only Sportscenter paid as much attention to the NHL as the exquisite past time of automobile racing). Hockey Analyst Keith Jones has even gone as far as comparing him to former flyer, the great Peter Forsberg--yes, "the great" is an essential title to his name. But it's not just his jaw-dropping moves, he has become a complete hockey player. He leads the NHL in short handers' and is tied for the lead in game winning goals with three. Not to mention his superb defensive play and unreal ability to hold on to the puck. But we knew that from Game 7 against Boston last year.

My point? While G is the most obvious success this year, his transformation has become a metaphor for the entire team. Since a tough 2-1 loss to the Blue Jackets on October 25th, every skater has found their role on the team and contributed (With the exception of Jeff Carter, but ill blame that on the his shitty blonde hair this year). Richards is and has been a leader and dominant at both ends of the ice, Hartnell is still falling down every two minutes but is contributing, the defense has been as awesome as predicted and continues to roll out quality shifts consistently, and fourth liners like Darrel Powe, Andres Nodl and newcomer KyleWellwood have all played so well they have earned time among the top-6. Plus a guy named Bob is making an extremely strong case to become the goalie of the future, making everyone in South Philadelphia remember someone named Bernie. Depth and talent on Offense and defense, grit, solid goaltending and team play are all needed for success in the NHL and the Bullies have all of it.

Of course a 6 game winning streak in early November can make any team look like a cup contender, but even after a sunday afternoon loss to the Capitals, im still feeling positive. Just as long as i dont have to wait till a shootout in game 82, ill be happy.

In other news lolz @ cowboys.

phuck americas team, love philly

Reid Timmer