2013-2014 NYR: A Look at the Defense

May 16, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins center Brad Marchand (63) flips the puck past New York Rangers defenseman Dan Girardi (5) during the second period in game one of the second round of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

Dan Girardi (No. 5)

I think we can all agree Dan Girardi is the New York Rangers fearless leader. This guy lays down to block anything that’s headed toward goal. I find myself cringing watching him go down to block a shot & even when you think he can be hurt, he shakes it off and is on the ice for the next shift. Girardi was the team’s leader in ice time last season, averaging 25.24 minutes per game (good for 8th in the NHL). Girardi led the NHL in blocked shots last season & has been in the top 6 each of the last 4 seasons. An even more staggering stat, he has only missed a combined 4 games in all 4 seasons. Let’s hope that trend keeps up. He also averages just under 191 hits per season, I think its safe to say Girardi is the recipient of quite a few bruises. Although he is the fearless leader he has also been up near the team lead in points. Like Staal his point production has increased ever since he was called up from Hartford and hovered around the 30 pts mark. He’s an every situation player and a go-to guy on the bench so I don’t expect that to change. Girardi is also in a contract year so I wouldn’t be surprised to see him possibly put up the best numbers of his career. I expect him to be up near the leaders in hits and blocked shots. I’d like to see him on the PP more also considering how well he played during the playoffs. & I think something around a 35-40 point season is reachable for him.