Flyers' Claude Giroux, Ivan Provorov enter COVID protocol

The Philadelphia Flyers announced Tuesday that captain Claude Giroux, defenseman Ivan Provorov, and a staff member were placed in the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol.

Giroux and Provorov make it five Flyers currently in COVID protocol. Forwards Derick Brassard and Jackson Cates as well as defenseman Nick Seeler are on the list at the moment.

Unfortunately for Philadelphia, this now means that the two cornerstones of its offense are both out of the lineup. Sean Couturier is also unavailable as he’s listed as week-to-week with an upper-body injury.

Giroux had shifted back to center at times this season with Couturier and Kevin Hayes missing time, but his offensive production is still the best on the team. Through 32 games, the 33-year-old captain has 11 goals and 18 assists for 29 points.

Provorov is also an extremely tough loss for the time being. He logs big minutes for this Flyers team, averaging 24:25 per game. He’s got 13 points through 32 games this year.