After the rumored information on Twitter last Sunday, the heir to the vacant captaincy for the New York Rangers appears to be Ryan McDonagh. Head coach Alain Vigneault said previously that he will announce the team’s captain by the time training camp opens for the Rangers on Thursday.
If the rumors are true, who will be the choices for alternate captains? You should consider the veteran Martin St Louis as a candidate. Even in his short time, he has shown time and time again that he feels passionate being a Ranger and is not afraid to show it. Another candidate is Marc Staal. Staal has served in his role for four seasons now. If it were not for injuries sustained in previous seasons, he could have been what McDonagh is today and a leading candidate for the captaincy. The veteran Dominic Moore is someone I would like to see with the “A”. His humble demeanor and tough on-ice play make him a good candidate for this leadership role.
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One player, however, I don’t feel should be an alternate captain is Dan Girardi. Over the past four seasons, he has served off and on as one of the team’s alternate captains. But that was due in part out of necessity. He became the direct benefactor when Staal suffered two injuries. The first injury was a concussion during a game against the Carolina Hurricanes in 2011. The second injury was an eye injury where he took a puck to his face in a game against the Philadelphia Flyers in 2013.
Unfortunately, I have not seen his leadership on the ice. I don’t see enthusiasm in the defenseman when he scores. Girardi is not someone I would follow into battle with. He should concentrate on protecting the puck better and becoming a shutdown defenseman rather than be burden with the responsibilities of an alternate captain.
Yes, Girardi has earned his place on the team. In the first year he was named alternate captain in place of the injured Staal, he earned a spot on the All-Star team during the 2011-2012 season. That year he led all defenseman in ice time averaging 28 minutes per game. Also, he put up 29 points (5 goals, 24 assists). He has continually ranked as one of the Rangers top defenseman in hits and blocked shots since 2008.
There is no denying he is a warrior that the team is lucky to have. He gives of himself, no questions asked.
Eyes On Isles
But, the fact that we don’t hear much from Girardi in the way of the team’s performance on a given night or being outspoken about a play concerns me naming him as a team captain. In recent seasons, Girardi’s play has faltered a bit near the end of the regular season. Untimely giveaways and poor puck possession have plagued the defenseman. Last season, he averaged 23 minutes of ice time. In my opinion, the amount of ice time he is asked to play along with the responsibilities of an alternate captain may have contributed to his poor play. For Girardi, he should concentrate on improving his game defensively by taking care of the puck and cutting down on his giveaways. Also, he could use a relief in minutes in a game. He has certainly earned it!
Until he proves me otherwise, consider other players to round out the Rangers leadership.