Giroux making the move from center to wing, which allowed Couts to finally slot in at 1C, deserves more recognition than Taylor Hall imo. On top of this, Giroux had an unreal stretch to seal making Playoffs. Hattrick in the final game too to get us in.
Giroux had to drag this team to the playoffs too. 19 points in the final 10 games to just barely get in based on the last one.
He was absolutely insane all year, but especially at the end. Plus the overall difference of 9 points, which is pretty big.
I want to be very clear here - I'm not saying Giroux didnt have a case. I recognize that he had a tremendous year, MVP worth, for certain. Had Giroux won it, I dont think anyone wouldve said that he was undeserving.
At the same time, It's also possible to recognize what Taylor Hall did in NJ that year. I'm not going to go through his points ratios and list the context/nuances behind it because a) it doesnt change anything and b) Im not really trying to convince anyone here. I'm just simply stating that Taylor Hall also had an MVP worth season that year.
I hate Crosby, but really? The dude has over 1200 points in less than 1000 games and he’s led his team to 3 Cups. Giroux has been underrated and he’s had some great seasons, but also some that were just good. Also, fwiw, the last 2 times the Flyers made the playoffs, he has 3 points in 12 games and is a -12.
Again, I love the guy and I think he deserves a special night and immediate enshrinement in the Flyers HoF upon retirement. But as of today, I don’t believe he’s earned a spot in the Hockey Hall of Fame or having his number retired.
Let me clarify here, because I should've used better descriptors, and that's on me - my apologies. When I said he's as close as you can get, what I meant was "He's about as close to a generational player as you can get"without being one" - not that he compares to Crosby. Giroux is easily the top end of the Franchise-level talent pool. If ims tarting a team 10 years ago I obviously take Crosby, but I wouldnt be disappointed with a Giroux, either.
As for the cups - I have a hard time holding that against Giroux. Yes, there are seasons where he could've played better. But at the same time, half of Giroux's prime was spent playing on teams who werent contenders, and were barely playoff teams at best. Meanwhile, the Pens had tanked for 5 years or so before getting the Malkin/Crosby/Fleury picks. that context needs to be considered. I know everyone is obsessed with cup wins, and thats at least partially what the HoF uses to viote for some reason, but I dont view that as a high criteria in terms of an individual player evaluation.
I'm not going to cry if he doesnt get his jersey retired. I think it'll be a shame if hes not eventially voted into the HoF (i dont think hes a first ballot), but he should be there because of his dominance while he played. Appleyard has already lsisted his career accomplishments, so I'm not going to go down that road. He's one of the best players of this decade, and I think that's probably worthy, especially when you look at some of the other people who have gotten in to the HOF.
