PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Claude Giroux was back on the ice on Tuesday for the first time in over two weeks, but the Flyers' captain was dealing with a much more serious battle than facing the Flyers' rivals.
Giroux was one of several players on the roster who tested positive for COVID-19. Most of the positive tests came when the Flyers were in Washington for a Sunday matinee with the Capitals.
Giroux has recovered and joined his teammates at practice for the first time since testing positive, and Giroux admitted there were difficult days in his battle with the illness.
"For a few days there I had it pretty bad," said Giroux. “But after three or four days, I felt pretty good. I feel great now."
Giroux believes he is well enough to play in the Flyers' next game on Wednesday night when they play host to the New York Rangers.
However, his status will likely be determined closer to game time.
Head coach Alain Vigneault was happy to have Giroux back on the ice, but is not ready to make a decision regarding his status for Wednesday's game.
"No doubt having our captain back with our group was important for us and will be beneficial," Vigneault said. "Today was his first skate. He'll skate tomorrow and we'll talk after and see how he feels."
While having Giroux back will be an emotional lift for the Flyers, Giroux had an emotional boost of his own on Monday.
After being forced to quarantine due to the virus, he was finally able to return home.
"You want to make sure that you don’t spread it," said Giroux. "I had to quarantine for an amount of time. It wasn’t great to be apart from the family. I’m back home now, so it’s good to be back home."
Giroux is also eager to be back at his work home.
He will learn on Wednesday if he will be able to play against the Rangers. If not, he will likely return to the lineup over the weekend when the Flyers play a pair of games in Buffalo.
Regardless, Giroux has had enough of watching the Flyers play on television.
"I remember the last time the Flyers played at home and it wasn’t that fun," Giroux said. "You want to be out there and help the team, but I’ll say it’s good to be back now."