Claude Giroux scores goal-of-the-year candidate vs. Lightning

Vintage Claude Giroux.

The Philadelphia Flyers’ captain scored one of the filthiest goals of his career as the NHL resumed action after the holiday break Thursday evening.

With the Philadelphia Flyers trailing the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-1 in the second period at Amalie Arena, Giroux went to work.

The veteran forward picked up the puck at the Tampa Bay blueline and moved in on the Lightning goal. Giroux used some ridiculous skill to get around blueliner Ryan McDonagh and beat netminder Andrei Vasilevskiy.

Not only did Giroux use a between-the-legs move to get around McDonagh, but he also lifted the blueliner’s stick to ensure he wouldn’t be checked. It’s pretty special to have the awareness to pull off both those maneuvers simultaneously.

The filthy goal was just the latest display of skill from the 30-year-old. He continues to be an elite player and chose a nationally televised game to remind the hockey world just how talented he is.

With 13 goals and 42 points in 36 games on the season, Giroux is showing no signs of slowing down.

Giroux is once again the offensive catalyst for Philadelphia, and his goal-of-the-year candidate against one of the best teams in the league is a nice reminder of his incredible skill.