As the end of the regular season nears, who is the Flyers MVP?

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With another regular season about to close for the Philadelphia Flyers. One question that still remains is who is the Flyers MVP? It’s been a roller coaster season of sorts for the orange and black. From a ten game winning streak, to a seven game winning streak. However, with all the ups and downs this team has faced, there’s one player that stands above the rest. That player is the engine that runs the Flyers in Claude Giroux.

 

Claude Giroux
It’s no secret that Giroux is the engine that runs the Flyers. As Giroux goes, so does the Flyers. He of course wanted to rebound from a down year, and prove to his critics that he is still a quality player for the 2017-18 season. Well, Giroux has done just that, as he has been nothing short of fantastic (Finally 100%). For the season, Giroux has registered 30 goals, 67 assists, and is a whopping plus 22. Yes, I said an insane plus 22. It shows he is doing things right on the ice. Giroux is a team first guy, and that was evident with moving to the wing.

Giroux was asked a great question from a reporter following the big win against the Boston Bruins this past Sunday. The reporters question was in reference to him possibly playing the best hockey of his career.I don’t know. Good question. I haven’t really been thinking about that, to be honest, and I don’t think I’m willing to. I think the past is the past, even if it’s a negative or positive you just gotta be able to move on and keep going better.”

This 30 year old standout in Giroux has proved to the entire league that he’s still a force to be reckoned with. Giroux is the heart and soul of this young Flyers team, and there’s no doubt he is the MVP of the team. The Flyers will announce the MVP before Thursday’s contest against the Carolina Hurricanes. When Giroux’s name is called there will be plenty of orange clad fans roaring Rouxxxxxxx, to go along with the Let’s Go Flyers chants. Who knows maybe Lauren Hart will sing, “God Bless America,” on this special night, as well.

 

Honorable Mention:
Sean Couturier has been a steady, first line Centerman all season for the orange and black. Just who would have thought he was a first line center before the season began? Not many people in the hockey world that’s for sure.

Playing on the “Ginger Line,” Couts was nothing short of phenomenal. Head Coach Dave Hakstol had the guts to place Claude Giroux on the left-wing, and Jakub Voracek on the right-wing, and the one and only Couturier as the centerman to fill out the Flyers top line. The successful trio accounted for 43% of the team’s total offense at even strength, with 25 goals between them. With the team looking for more secondary scoring. Hakstol had no other choice but to break up the successful “Ginger Line,” on December 4 against the Calgary Flames. Let’s not forget that Couturier resurrected the careers of Giroux and Voracek before trio broke up.

Now on a line with Giroux, and the “Energizer Bunny” in Travis Konecny. Couturier has registered career highs in every offensive category. “Couts,” has registered 31 goals, 41 assists, and is a plus 28 in 80 games played. Moreover, with these solid offensive stats, Couturier can now be involved with Selke Trophy conversation (Given to the best Defensive Forward).

Yes, Couturier’s production has slowed a bit over the course of the past month or so. However, he’s certainly become an offensive force that the Flyers hoped they were receiving with the 8th overall pick in 2011. Without his production who knows where the Flyers would be in the standings. For these reasons, Couturier should still be mentioned as the team’s MVP without a question.

With the resurgence of Giroux, it makes the orange and black that much tougher to beat on a nightly basis. As Giroux goes so does the Flyers, and they’re hoping he carries them into the playoffs. One thing is certain Flyers fans, the future is bright in Flyer land.

 

Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports