The New York Rangers have been setback defensively since the beginning of the season, depleted by multiple injuries and a suspension. Dan Boyle sustained a broken hand in the first contest, John Moore was suspended five games for an illegal check, Kevin Klein wound up on crutches after blocking a shot, and Ryan McDonagh took a hard hit into the boards that left him with a separated shoulder. The Blueshirts have had it rough to say the least.
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When the team needed replacements, coach Alain Vigneault called up several players from the AHL Hartford Wolfpack. Among those players were Conor Allen, Dylan McIlrath, and Mike Kostka who provided less than spectacular backup, evident by a combined +/- rating of -1 and only one assist in their time with the Rangers this season. They did their job, but they didn’t earn the title “Most Underrated Defenseman” either.
Looking at the record, the Blueshirts are now 7-6-3. That’s 9 losses, most of which can be attributed to the lack in defense. However, the Rangers did have moments when the defense was sound and at times even shined in unbelievable wins. Through all of the “highs” and very low “lows,” one particular blue liner has proven to be consistently dynamic.
Who has never missed a game this season? Who was there to pick up the slack? Who has no idea what the word “injured” means?
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The most underrated defensemen on the New York Rangers is Dan Girardi. He has played consistently throughout all 16 games while logging 5 points (1 goal, 4 assists) and posting a +/- rating of +3. When the going got tough, Girardi didn’t falter. Instead, the Alternate Captain stepped up to the plate and exceeded expectations.
At 6’1″ and 203 pounds, Girardi isn’t the fastest skater but he doesn’t let exhaustion become an issue on the ice. The 30-year-old logged over 30 minutes for three straight games in a row when defense was at its lowest point. In those three games, the Rangers either lost by one goal or won, indicating how valuable Girardi’s time on ice is to the team. Had he not picked up the slack, the Rangers would have given up more goals and would have had next to no shot at a win.
Pucks and Pitchforks
The Iron Man has also shown us why he earned his nickname. In a 4-0 Rangers win and shutout against the San Jose Sharks, Girardi blocked a shot that left a cut on his lower leg, according to the New York Post. The defenseman required stitches and missed the next morning’s skate (a Monday), yet played through it the following Tuesday night. Girardi also cheated death during a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs in which Nazem Kadri‘s skate came close to slicing the Ranger’s neck. Girardi was left with a mere scratch following the incident, yet many fans were worried that it was a more serious injury and it left us thinking. If he was taken out of the game, we all knew the whole team would be in trouble.
Girardi can catch his breath with the roster almost back to full strength on defense. The only blue liner missing now is Captain McDonagh who will be back within a few weeks or less. It’ll be a huge relief to see all the boys back, but let’s not forget who stood strong when the team needed him most.