Flyers React To News Of Giroux's Concussion

WASHINGTON -- Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren said that Claude Giroux has a concussion and will be out indefinitely.

Holmgren released this statement following the morning's skate at the Verizon Center in preparation for tonight's game with the Washington Capitals.

"Claude reported not feeling very good today," Holmgren said. "Over the past few days his symptoms have gradually gotten worse. He will be out indefinitely with a concussion."

The news hit the players hard, yet another injury to such a vital component. Giroux leads the NHL with 39 points.

"We found out this morning," said rookie Sean Couturier, who is expected to replace Giroux on the top line between Jaromir Jagr and Scott Hartnell, although coach Peter Laviolette said  he hasn't announced anything official. "He's a big part of this team and will be hard to replace but at the same time for guys to step up."

Hartnell has similar sentiments.

"You don't want to see anybody go down especially our best player," Hartnell said. "When he is in the lineup and doing his thing we are obviously a very dangerous team."

Getting accustomed to key injuries has become a way of life for the Flyers.

"Things like this happen," Hartnell said. "You want him to get healthy and feel better and get back in the lineup.

The Flyers had said on Monday that Giroux was getting better Now he is out indefinitely.

"The guys we put in the lineup have gone out and played hard every night," Laviolette said. "We haven't won every game but certainly there has been a consistent effort. I expect no different today."

 Bryzgalov To Start

Goalie Ilya Bryzgalov, who was pulled with 13 minutes and one second left in Saturday's 5-2 win over visiting Tampa Bay due to a lower body injury, will start in goal tonight, according to Laviolette.