Giroux Returns To Lead Flyers Over Stars, 4-1
DALLAS (AP) — Claude Giroux had a goal and three assists in his return from a four-game absence due to a concussion and the surging Philadelphia Flyers beat the Dallas Stars 4-1 Wednesday night.
Wayne Simmonds and Jaromir Jagr added power-play goals, and defenseman Andrej Meszaros connected at even strength for Philadelphia. Sergei Bobrovsky made 30 saves as the Flyers improved to 10-2-1 in their last 13 overall and 13-3-2 on the road this season.
Giroux, the Flyers' top scorer, was out since he was injured in a game against Tampa Bay on Dec. 10 when he was accidentally hit in the back of the head by Simmonds' knee.
Michael Ryder scored in the game's first minute for the Stars, who were 4-1-0 in their previous five games.
Stars rookie Richard Bachman stopped 27 shots in his sixth straight start, subbing while regular goaltender Kari Lehtonen completes his recovery from a groin injury. Lehtonen is expected back within a week.
Ryder struck 56 seconds after the opening faceoff, firing a shot from high in the left circle that beat Bobrovsky to the glove side for Ryder's team-high 12th goal of the season.
Giroux tied it at 8:30 of the first period when he swept a loose puck into an open net for his team-best 17th goal.
Simmonds put the Flyers in front for good about 3 minutes later, cashing in on his team's first power play of the night with a deflection for his 10th goal of the season.
Jagr got his 11th goal 29 seconds into a power play, converting Giroux's return pass at 8:00 of the second period to extend the lead to 3-1.
Meszaros put the game away at 5:22 of the final period, skating in alone after a pass from Giroux and beating Bachman.
The game was heated at times, with three misconducts issued and several skirmishes after whistles.
In addition, there was an incident after the first period when Flyers coach Peter Laviolette shoved Dallas agitator Steve Ott in the back as the teams headed to their locker rooms.
NOTES: The Flyers made the second stop of a five-game trip. ... F Adam Burish returned to the Dallas lineup after missing 15 games with a broken hand. ... Forward Tomas Vincour (knee), D Philip Larsen (lower body) and D Stephane Robidas (foot) were out for the Stars. ... The teams met for the only time this season. The Flyers are 5-1-0 in their last six against the Stars. ... Bachman was 4-1 in his first five NHL starts.
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