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Five observations from Flyers' win over Carolina, including Claude Giroux being hard on himself

Flyers captain Claude Giroux was self-critical after the team rallied for a 2-1 overtime win in Carolina on Tuesday night.

The Flyers’ Claude Giroux knocking Jordan Staal’s  shot out of the air in the final seconds of overtime Tuesday. A few seconds later, Giroux made a sliding save to prevent Jeff Skinner from scoring.
The Flyers’ Claude Giroux knocking Jordan Staal’s shot out of the air in the final seconds of overtime Tuesday. A few seconds later, Giroux made a sliding save to prevent Jeff Skinner from scoring.Read moreCHRIS SEWARD / Raleigh News & Observer

RALEIGH, N.C. — Five observations from the Flyers' 2-1 overtime win in Carolina on Tuesday night:

Giroux wants more

Claude Giroux is a perfectionist. Never was that more evident than when he spoke after the Flyers' thrilling win on Tuesday.

Giroux had made a sliding save to prevent a goal and send Jordan Weal's game-winner in motion. He had won 12 of 18 faceoffs, created a Carolina penalty, and set up linemates Travis Konecny and Sean Couturier for scoring chances. But the captain wanted more from himself.

"Some guys are playing their best hockey of the season, but personally, I've got to step up and bring more for the team," he said, adding he and his linemates "know that."

Added Giroux, whose line was kept off the scoresheet and managed a combined three shots: "We played good, but I don't think we played at our full potential."

Giroux's hungriness is a good sign for the Flyers in the last two months.

Elliott’s return

Goalie Brian Elliott said he was a little rusty, but he didn't look it. After sitting out four games because of an injury, Elliott stopped 27 of 28 shots — including six in a sensational overtime display — to key the win.

"I haven't seen that many shots in the last little bit, but you're in a groove in the middle of the season," he said. "It's not like starting the season fresh."

Clearly, the Flyers are going to need a healthy Elliott if they are going to sneak into the playoffs. He gives them a calming presence with his steady play and his ability to make a game-turning save.

Weal-ly big goal

Jordan Weal has shown some good signs lately. His goal with 3.1 seconds left in overtime Tuesday was his seventh goal of the season and snapped the Flyers' four-game skid.

Secondary scoring will be key for the Flyers, and Weal is a guy who can deliver it. He finished last year with eight goals in his final 19 games.

Needed: More zone time

Carolina had much more zone time than the Flyers in the first half of the game and the overtime. The Hurricanes had 72 shot attempts compared to the Flyers' 54.

The Flyers will try to change that Thursday when they play visiting Montreal for the first time this season.

Power-play struggles

The Flyers' power play went 0 for 5 and was awful on its first three attempts as it continually over-passed and never got into a rhythm. Its last two power plays were effective but didn't produce a goal.

"Even though we didn't score, I thought it set the tone and earned some momentum back," coach Dave Haklstol said of the final two power-play attempts.