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On Giroux and Couturier

December 18, 2011, 5:24 PM ET [ Comments]
Tim Panaccio
Philadelphia Flyers Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
DENVER - Claude Giroux was skating with his teammates today for the first time in days, while wearing the yellow "no contact" jersey.

That I like.

Giroux was also getting physical in puck battles with teammates.

That I don't like. Yellow jersey means "lay off." This was his first day on ice at a practice since being concussed on Dec. 10. I want Giroux to take it easy. No contact, no battling, minimal exertion the first day back.

I can tell the kid is hungry but I truly wonder if he really believes what he says: that Sidney Crosby serves as a valuable lesson of what can happen with post-concussion syndrome.

Giroux talks about Crosby and making sure he is 100 percent when he comes back and doesn't become another Crosby, but I wonder if the kid can hold back. I don't think he can.

Which means the Flyers have to do it for him. I don't want Claude Giroux playing in the Winter Classic. I think that is a dangerous game for him given the hype, the juice, what the Rangers will bring. I'd rather see Giroux not play again until after that game.

I fear someone will run him that game.

And speaking of concussions ... Sean Couturier was released from Pennsylvania Hospital but GM Paul Holmgren said it remains "unknown" whether he suffered a concussion. Couturier will be re-evaluated on Monday.

My opinion? Sit him down 4-5 days to make certain he's ok.

Here's my story on CSNPhilly.com and a gaggle of others on the site, as well :
click here
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