Holmgren: Giroux is his own worst critic

CSNPhilly.com outlines how difficult it may be to pinpoint precisely what turned the Flyers' season around from that ugly 1-7-0 start to the point of having clinched a playoff berth.

Within the context of that plotline though, was GM Paul Holmgren recalling how everyone on the staff at one point or another, including Holmgren, spoke with Claude Giroux to help encourage him through his early struggles.

“Claude tries,” Holmgren said. “He really tries. He’s his own worst critic and doesn’t need anyone else telling him. He had a lot on his plate. I felt his hand injury affected him more than he was willing to accept. I didn’t think his shot was up to snuff to where it is now. He could not shoot as hard as he can now. It took time to get his strength back in the hand. Same with passing the puck. No zip on his passes earlier this year.”

Source: Tim Panaccio, CSNPhilly.com