Giroux admits offseason hip surgery affected his game

Hips don't lie.

In Claude Giroux's case, an inability to bounce back quickly from offseason hip surgery has taken a toll at times this season, the Philadelphia Flyers captain admitted prior to Sunday's game against the Hurricanes.

"When you try to make plays you used to make and can't really make them, it is frustrating and confusing," Giroux said, according to Marc Narducci of Philly.com. "When you start getting the confidence back, you know you can make those plays you just go out there and make it happen."

Giroux added, "Even if you don't feel good out there, you have to find the right way to be strong mentally."

Giroux's numbers are indeed down - his 14 goals and 37 assists through 70 games have him on pace for production levels unseen since early in his career.

The good news is that he's been able to play every game for the Flyers this season, and a healthy summer with regular workouts will be key to the team's chances of bouncing back with a more successful 2017-18.