Philadelphia Flyers' Jeff Carter Out For the Season, Claude Giroux To Step Up?

If the Philadelphia Flyers are going to make the playoffs this season it looks as if they will have to do so without the services of Centre Jeff Carter. The Flyers have announced that Carter is expected to be out of the lineup with a fracture of his left foot for up to three to four weeks.

When you do the math, three to four weeks would mean Carter will likely not make it back into the Flyers lineup until the first round of the playoffs—that is if they even make it.

Through 72 games the Flyers have amassed 79 points, which puts them sixth overall in the NHL’s Eastern Conference (tied with the Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators), just three points up on the eighth place Boston Bruins and four up on the Atlanta Thrashers who currently occupy the ninth spot.

The news of Carter’s injury comes just days after of the announcement of goaltender Michael Leighton’s ankle injury which will keep him out eight to ten weeks.

The Flyers have had to deal with numerous extended injuries this season including goaltender Ray Emery, forwards Simon Gagne and Danny Briere and defenseman Matt Carle.

Without a doubt, injuries have handcuffed the Flyers success all season long and may lead to the team missing the playoffs.

Carter will be tough to replace as he leads the Flyers in goals (33) and points (60). Claude Giroux is one of several candidates that are expected to step up in Carter’s absence; that said, with just 14 goals and 41 points on the season it will be tough for Giroux to bring what Carter does on a nightly basis.

Let’s face it, Giroux is hardly a household name and, despite his modest success, has never been put in the role of the go-to-guy, never mind being forced into it. In the end the Flyers will have to get a more concerted effort form the likes of Scott Hartnell, Simon Gagne and Danny Briere if they are going to stand any chance of making the playoffs. Giroux on his own is just not going to cut it.

The Flyers lost two key matchups against the suddenly hot Atlanta Thrashers over the weekend. Looking back those two losses may have cost the Flyers a playoff spot, but with 11 games remaining there is still plenty of hockey to be played.

One has to wonder if this is a cursed season for the Flyers; it’s been nothing but bad news all season long, something that has to be weighing on the players’ minds.

Last week Flyer fans were talking about an early playoff exit, this week they will be wondering about making the playoffs at all, something that is very realistic with your best goalie and top scorer on the sidelines.

Until next time,

Peace!