By Ed Benkin

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — The Flyers were busy on the ice again on Wednesday with the start of the shortened season set for Saturday.

On Tuesday, the Flyers named Claude Giroux their team captain. Giroux said he is honored to wear the “C,” but says he won’t change his approach to the game.

“I am going to try and do the best I can,” said Giroux. “I’ll be playing the same way. It’s a good feeling, but I have to start thinking about Saturday. It is a great honor.”

Flyers Head Coach Peter Laviolette says Giroux appears ready to lead the way for the Flyers this season.

“Claude is now the captain of this team,” Laviolette said. “He assumes those responsibilities. He’s been here and he’s seen a lot through our organization. You see a lot and you learn a lot from around the league.”

The team’s schedule will be difficult, with several games condensed into a short period of time. Goalie Ilya Bryzgalov expects to adjust as the season progresses.

“We’ll see,” said Bryzgalov. “It’s the first time with a schedule like this, but I’m looking forward, and I’m excited to have hockey back.”

The Flyers will have an open practice at the Wells Fargo Center on Thursday at 6 p.m. Admission for fans is free.