Frustrated With Refs, Giroux Goes High on Zubrus

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Marginalized for much of the series after gaining the world stage against the Penguins, Claude Giroux was clearly agitated and playing with an edge in game 4 against the Devils. Unfortunately, it wasn't always the helpful brand of agitation.

Although G scored on a shorthanded opportunity in the first period, he was upset over the lack of a slashing call on the play, and rightfully so. Marek Zidlicky made contact several times with Giroux's gloves/midsection, yet the arm didn't go up. We'll take the goal, but considering the Flyers were killing a penalty, getting a call back would have been key.

With the Devils power play still alive, Zidlicky scored the tying goal.
In the second period, G lost his cool in a big way, taking out his frustrations on another missed call. After he felt Martin Brodeur played the puck outside of the trapezoid, G called for a penalty but didn't get one. Seemingly incensed, he skated up the ice and zeroed in on the next possible target. After Dainius Zubrus pushed the puck forward in the Flyers' zone, Giroux hit him hard, with contact to the head. 
Despite Zubrus having a clear size advantage (listed at 6'5 to Giroux's 5'11) and Giroux not leaving the ice with his skates, meaning Zubrus' head was lowered considerably, G's shoulder did meet Zubrus' head. 

Accordingly, he was assessed a 2-minute penalty for contact to the head.

Almost as immediate, the discussion as to whether Giroux could or would be suspended began. We say no. He'll have his clear anger working against him though.

Your assessment?

Not that it would or should be a factor, but Zubrus also happens to wear a modified welder's shield. 

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