Five Takeaways From the New York Rangers’ Preseason

May 26, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Dan Girardi (5) reacts against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period of game six of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Listen, no one in professional sports is tougher than Dan Girardi. We often try to stay away from using the word “warrior” when describing athletes, but Girardi fits the mold perfectly.

However, all those years of shot blocking and physical punishment might finally be catching up to him. This preseason, and, really since the 2012 playoffs, Girardi has looked like he has a lost a step. Against the Flyers, Matt Read beat Girardi in a foot-race. Read is a nice player, but a top-pair defenseman should not be getting beat by him.

I know it is silly to put too much stock in the preseason, but this has to be a concern to the Rangers. Girardi has regressed every year, and his contract is eating a large chunk of the teams salary.

The days of Girardi being one of the best shutdown defenseman might be nearing its end.

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