#5's #s: 80 games, four goals, 27 assists, +7, 37 PIM (5 playoff games, no goals, no assists, -2, no PIM).
Take the good: Girardi was half of the top defensive pairing on the Rangers and thus saw the toughest competition and played a ton of minutes. Henrik Lundqvist would not have been able to put together the Vezina-caliber season that he did without Dan. Girardi was the regular season league leader in blocked shots with 236 - 24 more than second place Greg Zanon (who played two more games). He then added 26 more in the five playoff games against the Caps. He improved his points and plus/minus each of the last two seasons and appears to be heading into his prime. And he did all that while laying down more than a few hits - he collected 195, which ranked ninth in the NHL among defensemen. Girardi is no fighter but after the awful, awful Gaborik incident has learned to stand up for his teammates ...Take the bad: Girardi is pointless and -7 in his last 18 playoff games. There were numerous times this season where he gave his opponent too much time and space and was burned. When Staal was out with injury Girardi was clearly out of sorts. Needs to realize that a stick check is no check at all when you are going one-on-one against the top talents in the NHL.
Take them both and then we have: Some players get contract extensions and get complacent. Dan Girardi is not one of those players. Girardi re-upped with the Rangers for four more seasons last July and kept up the hard work that earned that deal. He had surgery for a hernia after the season, which makes you wonder just how much pain he fought through and how long he dealt with it. When you see a guy dealing with that and still playing at a high level, you want to be your best, and Girardi definitely set a good example for McD and Sauer in their first playoffs. Interestingly, Girardi was the assistant captain in Guelph in '04-05 - showing his leadership ability. The captain? Ryan Callahan.
The NYR Facts Of Life: #5 Dan Girardi
In the storied history of the New York Rangers, few players have embodied the spirit of the team quite like Dan Girardi. A warrior on the blue line, Girardi's dedication, and relentless work ethic earned him a place in the hearts of Rangers fans and a lasting legacy in the franchise's annals. In this article, we will delve into the life and career of Dan Girardi, examining his journey from undrafted free agent to beloved Rangers stalwart and exploring the impact he had on the team during his time in the Big Apple.
Table of Contents
Introduction: Dan Girardi - The Ranger's Heart and Soul
Setting the stage for a deep dive into Dan Girardi's career and influence.
The Early Years: A Humble Beginning
Girardi's hockey origins, his path to the NHL, and his early struggles.
Joining the Blueshirts: A Diamond in the Rough
The Rangers' discovery of Girardi as an undrafted free agent and his emergence as a reliable defenseman.
The Shot-Blocking Machine
Girardi's fearless shot-blocking prowess and the sacrifices he made for the team.
Leadership and Consistency
Girardi's role as an on-ice leader and his consistent defensive contributions.
Playoff Performer: The Stanley Cup Quest
Girardi's role in the Rangers' deep playoff runs, including the memorable journey to the Stanley Cup Final in 2014.
Off the Ice: Dan Girardi, the Person
A glimpse into Girardi's personality, charitable work, and life beyond the rink.
The End of an Era: Girardi's Departure
The circumstances surrounding Girardi's departure from the Rangers and the emotional farewell.
Girardi's Legacy: A Ranger for Life
Reflecting on the enduring impact and legacy of Dan Girardi in Rangers history.
1. Introduction: Dan Girardi - The Ranger's Heart and Soul
Setting the stage for a deep dive into Dan Girardi's career and influence.
Dan Girardi's story is one of resilience, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to the New York Rangers. His journey from an undrafted player to a cornerstone of the Rangers' defense is nothing short of remarkable.
2. The Early Years: A Humble Beginning
Girardi's hockey origins, his path to the NHL, and his early struggles.
Girardi's hockey journey began in the small town of Welland, Ontario. We'll explore his humble beginnings and the challenges he faced on his way to the NHL.
3. Joining the Blueshirts: A Diamond in the Rough
The Rangers' discovery of Girardi as an undrafted free agent and his emergence as a reliable defenseman.
The Rangers' scouting department deserves credit for spotting Girardi's potential. We'll discuss how he transitioned from an unknown prospect to a key player for the Blueshirts.
4. The Shot-Blocking Machine
Girardi's fearless shot-blocking prowess and the sacrifices he made for the team.
Girardi's shot-blocking ability became legendary. We'll analyze the importance of this skill and the toll it took on his body.
5. Leadership and Consistency
Girardi's role as an on-ice leader and his consistent defensive contributions.
Beyond his shot-blocking, Girardi was a leader on the ice. We'll look at his role in stabilizing the Rangers' defense and providing consistency.
6. Playoff Performer: The Stanley Cup Quest
Girardi's role in the Rangers' deep playoff runs, including the memorable journey to the Stanley Cup Final in 2014.
The Rangers' pursuit of the Stanley Cup in 2014 was unforgettable, and Girardi played a significant role. We'll relive some of those playoff moments.
7. Off the Ice: Dan Girardi, the Person
A glimpse into Girardi's personality, charitable work, and life beyond the rink.
Girardi was not only a great player but also a respected figure off the ice. We'll shed light on his personality and philanthropic efforts.
8. The End of an Era: Girardi's Departure
The circumstances surrounding Girardi's departure from the Rangers and the emotional farewell.
Every great story has its ending, and Girardi's Rangers career was no exception. We'll discuss the emotions surrounding his departure from the team.
9. Girardi's Legacy: A Ranger for Life
Reflecting on the enduring impact and legacy of Dan Girardi in Rangers history.
In conclusion, we'll take a moment to reflect on the lasting impact that Dan Girardi has left on the New York Rangers and their fans. His dedication, work ethic, and passion for the game will forever be etched in Rangers lore.
Conclusion
Dan Girardi's journey from an undrafted player to a beloved Ranger is a testament to his character and dedication. His legacy as a warrior on the blue line and a leader in the locker room will live on in the hearts of Rangers fans. In this article, we've explored the various facets of Girardi's career and the indelible mark he left on the New York Rangers franchise.
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