Claude Giroux had a goal and three assists in his return from a four-game absence caused by a concussion, and the surging Philadelphia Flyers beat the host Dallas Stars 4-1 Wednesday night.
Wayne Simmonds and Jaromir Jagr added power-play goals, and defenseman Andrej Meszaros connected at even strength for Philadelphia. The Flyers improved to 10-2-1 in their past 13 games and 13-3-2 on the road this season.
Giroux, who leads the NHL with 43 points, had been out since he was injured in a game against Tampa Bay on Dec. 10 when he was accidentally hit in the back of the head by Simmonds knee.
Giroux received medical clearance to play last weekend, and he was inserted into the lineup after he was able to participate in Wednesdays morning skate.
Hes clearly established himself as a top player in the league, Flyers head coach Peter Laviolette said. He missed some time and wanted to get back in there. Hes capable of that. It shouldnt surprise anybody.
The game was heated at times, with three misconducts issued and several skirmishes after whistles.
I had a lot of fun just playing and was kind of in Dallas face, and they were pretty much doing the same thing to us, Giroux said.
In addition, there was an incident after the first period when Laviolette shoved Dallas agitator Steve Ott in the back as the teams headed to their locker rooms.
Laviolette entered the tunnel while the Stars were exiting, and Ott thought the Flyers coach should have waited until the home team had cleared.
Its disrespect of our building. Just let our team off; its not a big deal, Ott said.