The Philadelphia Flyers face the worst possible situation Tuesday, as they enter a 2012 NHL Playoff elimination game (7:30 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Network) against the visiting New Jersey Devils without its best player. Claude Giroux will be absent from Game 5's showdown at the Wells Fargo Center, as he will be serving a one-game suspension for a hit on Devils' Dainius Zubrus in Game 4.
Giroux's punishment was handed down Monday, a night after Philly lost 4-2 and now trail in the best-of-seven series 3-1. The suspension to Giroux is a big one, as the Flyers regular-season point leader has tallied two goals and an assists in this Eastern Conference semifinal series.
Now, Philly will need its post-season points leader, forward Danny Briere (three goals, one assists), to step-up a bit more and hope the possible return of forward Zac Rinaldo, who might play on the fourth line if cleared to play for the first time since late in round one, can compensate for the loss.
To catch the possible last Flyers game of the year, here's the viewing information:
Location: Wells Fargo Center
Game Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
TV Channel: NBC Sports Network
Series: Devils lead best-of-seven series 3-1.
Stay tuned to SB Nation Philly for all the updates. For all your Flyers news and information, head over to Broad Street Hockey. If you're a Devils fan, In Lou We Trust has what you need. For all your 2012 Stanley Cup Playoff needs, SB Nation's NHL hub has you covered.