Claude Giroux Suspension: NHL Suspends Flyers Forward 1 Game for Hit on Zubrus

After careful deliberation, the NHL has decided to suspend Philadelphia Flyers forward Claude Giroux for one game after a check to the head of New Jersey Devils forward Dainius Zubrus, according to the Flyers' official Twitter account:

"

BREAKING NEWS: Claude Giroux was given a 1 game suspension by the NHL for a hit on Dainius Zubrus during the 2nd period of last night’s game

— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) May 7, 2012"

The hit came in the second period of Game 4 in the second-round playoff series between the two teams, and will leave Giroux sidelined for Wednesday’s Game 5. The Flyers are currently down, 3-1, and will have to overcome the odds without their star.

While Giroux has no history of incidents of this sort, the fact that the NHL is still punishing the star is the right move. If the league's intentions are to establish black-and-white rules, it must address each comparable case in similar fashion, and a one-game suspension for a first offense is more than fair.

What It Means

On Wednesday, the Flyers face an uphill battle against a Devils team that has been setting the pace all series and will continue to do so as long as Giroux isn’t on the ice. The Devils must finish the boys from Philly while they have an opening.

Philadelphia has to come out and play a very defensive-minded style of hockey and capitalize on New Jersey's mistakes. If they can withstand Game 5 without their best player, it could be the kind of momentum shift that sends the Flyers on to bigger and better things.

What’s Next

The young stars of the Flyers, like Braydon Schenn and Matt Read, that have been playing so well all postseason need to have the game of their young lives. With their youthful exuberance wearing off on the veterans, the Flyers need to go all in for Game 5.

New Jersey smells blood in the water. With a commanding 3-1 series lead, the Devils will be able to take chances in Game 5 and pull out all the stops to snuff out a comeback with their full bag of tricks.

If New Jersey gives Philly another game, Giroux will return to haunt them.

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