Philadelphia Flyers: Claude Giroux Makes His Case for Hart Trophy

Claude Giroux has been a revelation for the Philadelphia Flyers this year. It's no surprise that the gifted forward is leading the Flyers in points, and Giroux has carried the Flyers on his back for large parts of the season. Across the state, Evgeni Malkin is making his case for MVP as well.

Carrying the team in the absence of their captain is something that both Giroux and Malkin have in common. Though Sidney Crosby leaves a larger void in the offense, the chasm left by Chris Pronger is no less significant with the leadership he provides on and off the ice.

Working against the impressive Malkin, has been the rise of James Neal as a legitimate goal scorer and the solid defense and goaltending behind him with Marc-Andre Fleury. While Malkin has been an offensive juggernaut, he has arguably had more help than Giroux in the "team" department. Philadelphia has also pushed a number of rookies into the lineup, training wheels be damned.

Crosby has returned to the Penguins' roster and will absolutely help Pittsburgh as they push the New York Rangers for the top seed in the East. Meanwhile, Pronger could have already played his last game.

The Flyers, overtime winners Sunday over the Pens, are mounting their own offensive for the Eastern crown. With 10 games left, the Flyers are certainly within striking distance of their Atlantic Division rivals.

Leading that charge is Giroux. His two assists Sunday kept him within four of Malkin in the scoring race. He and Scott Hartnell have stepped up their leadership in the absence of their captain. It seems a forgone conclusion that one of these two will be wearing the captain's "C" next year.

The Flyers, with the deft hands of playmaker Giroux and the gritty goalscoring of Hartnell, have led the NHL in scoring for most of the year. Shaky goaltender play for the first four months of the season meant that Philly would be leaning on the offense for wins. Pronger's absence as a goal-front sheriff undeniably would have made a difference in the goals allowed category.

Adding to Giroux's emergence as a NHL star, was the return to the NHL of former MVP, scoring king and mullet connoisseur, Jaromir Jagr. While Jagr is hardly the player he was in the glory days, his influence on the young Flyers center was obvious, as they both had gaudy numbers to start the year. While Jagr's production predictably declined, there was no dip in Giroux's. Averaging 1.24 points per game, Giroux trails only Malkin at 1.38.

Bearing the name "Orange Jesus" can put a high level of expectations on a young player. Philadelphia is a tough sports town, but they expect success. The Stanley Cup hungry Flyers have finally gotten the goalie play they sorely missed early in the year and the offense seems to be clicking again after a brief goal embargo.

Giroux's often playful personality has endeared him so far to the Broad Street diehards. Leading a group of fresh-faced rookies has been equally impressive. His game continues to wow Philadelphia and the NHL on a nightly basis.

Lifting the Stanley Cup will make him immortal and probably get him a statue next to Rocky.