Last night, Claude Giroux netted the first goal of the game, and it not only was his 11th marker of the season but he tied Bill Barber with the second most points in Flyers history with 883. He is just aging like a fine wine.
“We feel like we’re doing a lot of good things but at the same time we know we can play better.” – Claude Giroux said following the game last night
It’s mind boggling that he still fights for respect in Philadelphia when he more than likely (Barring Injury) will move into second place all-time in Flyers points this season. Giroux is a great player, and should be more respected for his services as a Flyer, as he enters his last season under contract with the Flyers.
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Oskar Lindblom
Lindblom has had his fair share of ups and downs this season, “Today wasn’t our best game, but still found our way to get back and get two points, that’s the important part,” Lindblom said after potting a goal and an assist last night. “After that 10 game losing streak you have to do something, and I think we are way better here.”
Lindblom has looked a little more like his self with board battling, and battling for pucks in general these past few months. It’s great to see him finally off from being buried on the fourth line, “Oskar was one of our best players tonight for sure, making plays,” Joel Farabee said in his first game back after potting the game tying goal in the final minute of play. “I think when he has his confidence you can see, that backhand spin-o-rama pass was pretty well classed and you know that’s the kind of play Oskar can make. When he’s going, he’s a huge part of this team and definitely glad he had a great first period and help the team win.”
The 25-year-old in Lindblom has struggled to gain his consistency back, but this should have been expected with all the trials and tribulations he dealt with last year. Following this outburst in points, Lindblom only has three goals and three assists in 28 games played, but he provides heart and he looks more like himself, “He’s playing well right now,” Claude Giroux said last night. “He’s heavy on the puck, he’s winning battles. Oskar is a player that everyone loves to play with. He does all the right things and he’s strong on the puck so right now he’s playing some good hockey.”
His skating has improved from the beginning of the season, while his heart has remained the same. He just wants to win, and be able to help his teammates win the game at hand. Lindblom remains effective in puck management, and taking hits to make the play, or extending the play. This critical aspect of the game cannot be understated.
Finally thriving in the top nine, and not being buried on the fourth line has to do world for his confidence. Lindblom’s effort it’s been there all season, need played well in spurts, however, nice to see him reap some of the benefits from his hard work now.
Phantoms Update on Injuries:
Wade Allison and Samuel Ersson cannot catch a break. Allison got hurt Friday, and Ersson left the game early last night due to injury.
Allison’s injury is upper body, and no one knows about Ersson yet. Hopefully, Ersson did not reaggravate his lower body injury.
Giroux has had a long career here in Philly. He’s achieved many accolades. But he has failed miserably in the post season since 2012, having just 4 postseason goals in 32 playoff games!