Flyers' Claude Giroux: Could benefit from less time on penalty kill

Giroux should see less time on the penalty kill this season thanks to the presence of newcomer Boyd Gordon, who is impressing Flyers coach Dave Hakstol with his defensive acumen in practice, Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Analysis:

Giroux has seen his scoring totals dip in three straight seasons, so it's refreshing to know that the Flyers are looking at reducing his shorthanded ice time, presumably in an effort to maximize his production within the attacking zone. Of course, keeping the prolific playmaker in good health is also a top priority, especially since he underwent surgeries to correct his hip and abdomen this offseason and had briefly left a World Cup exhibition game with an undisclosed issue -- he has only drawn into one of a possible three World Cup contests to date.