Giroux said he was headache-free when he woke up in the morning and knew he was 100 percent after skating in the morning. He absorbed big hits from Trevor Daley and Ott early in the game.
"I think it was important to get the first hit and see how you feel," he said. "I felt good after that, and it made me more comfortable."
Just 81/2 minutes into the game, Giroux scored after Jagr's shot deflected to him out front.
"I was able to get a little gift on the side there," Giroux said.
More "gifts" followed.
"He's clearly established himself as the top player in the league," said Laviolette, adding he wasn't surprised by Giroux's performance.
Giroux had two points in the first 11 minutes, 36 seconds and took over the NHL points lead. He later added an assist on Jagr's second-period, power-play goal and on Andrej Meszaros' third-period breakaway.
"It feels good to be back with the boys in the locker room," said Giroux, whose four-point night matched Sidney Crosby's first game back from a concussion before he again was sidelined. "That's the best part."
Giroux had missed four games after being accidentally kneed in the back of his head by teammate Wayne Simmonds on Dec. 10 against Tampa Bay.
While Giroux's return was the big story, there was an interesting side show. After the first period ended, Laviolette and Ott seemed to exchange words as they were walking down the tunnel. On the TV replay, Laviolette and Ott appeared to push each other.
Apparently, Laviolette was upset by a hit Ott made on Giroux in the opening period.
"I didn't know about it," said Giroux, who was informed of the incident by a reporter. "It's good to see we have each other's back."
Laviolette tried to downplay the incident after the game.
