NEW YORK – Despite posting his best statistical showing of the playoffs, Flyers captain Claude Giroux still wasn't pleased with his performance.

The fact that Philadelphia dropped Game 5 of its Metropolitan Division semifinal Sunday to fall behind the Rangers 3-2 in the best-of-seven series and move within one loss of elimination likely didn't help his personal assessment.

But if the Flyers are looking for a positive from their most recent loss, it could be the improved play of Giroux, who finally ended his postseason goalless drought on a slap shot that beat New York goalie Henrik Lundqvist with 1 minute, 29 seconds left in the third period. The goal pulled Philadelphia within one of the Rangers in the eventual 4-2 setback.

"There was a minute left when I scored," Giroux said. "It's gotta be better."

The Flyers' best player was better.

Giroux's timely goal set the stage for a potential tie in the game's closing moments — that was before Brian Boyle scored an empty-netter to seal New York's win.

Giroux's numbers don't lie, however.

He led all players in Sunday's game with six shots and logged the most ice time of any Flyers forward with 21:26. Giroux also registered two hits and won 14 of 23 faceoffs.

Philadelphia coach Craig Berube noticed a change in Giroux's game.

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