Flyers captain Claude Giroux has yet to record a point in the 2013-14 season.
It has been no secret in the Flyers first four games that they have struggled to score. But of the players managing to get the points, one player in noticably absent.
Claude Giroux, the second-year captain, has no points through four games this season. Giroux suffered a hand injury in the offseason that threatened to delay his season debut. It didn't, but with his lack in point production through these four games, the question arose – is Giroux full healthy?
His new coach, Craig Berube, doesn't believe so.
"I think he’s fine, he’s healthy," Berube said. "I think G is trying a little bit too hard, personally. I think he gives everything he’s got out there. Sometimes it is too much. You try too hard and can’t accomplish the things you want to accomplish."
Giroux himself also took the focus away from his hand and assured it isn't his health but his confidence that is hurting four games into the season.
"The confidence is not there," Giroux said. "I don’t think it’s the hand — the confidence is just not there. I will be fine. A few bad games, you always have a stretch like that during the season."
For a player of Giroux's stauts, averaging 1.13 points per game in the past two seasons, including an even 48 points in 48 games in 2013 and a career-high 93 points in 2011-12, the scoring drought comes with pressure to perform. Giroux is among the many Flyers that have yet to score in the young season.
Brayden Schenn and Vincent Lecavalier are tied for the team lead with three points. Schenn is the only Flyer with two goals.
Giroux is joined by Matt Read, Wayne Simmonds, Scott Hartnell and Kimmo Timonen as Flyers without a point this season. Jakub Voracek has one assist but has yet to score a goal after being the team's leading scorer in 2013.
Perhaps the player shouldering this most is Giroux. Not only have his individual numbers been down to open the season, many of his teammates are struggling to score as well.
Berube's style as head coach is more defensive than what the Flyers used under Peter Laviolette. Giroux believes a focus on defense is the key that will lead to scoring.
"The goals will come," Giroux said. "When you play good defense, that’s your best offense. Our lines have to be better defensively. I have to be better defensively. And when you do that, you’re going to have more chances."
Coming off their first win of the season, Giroux echoed the team's sentiment throughout his post-game comments. It may have been an ugly win. But it is two much-needed points. That is something the Flyers will gladly accept, no matter how ugly it may appear.
Kevin Durso is a contributor for Flyerdelphia. You can follow him on twitter @KDursoPhilsNet.
