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New York Rangers Report Cards Part 3: The Defense

By Garrett Gartino

Dec 8, 2016; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; New York Rangers defenseman Brady Skjei (76) controls the puck past Winnipeg Jets center Bryan Little (18) during the third period at MTS Centre. Rangers win 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 8, 2016; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; New York Rangers defenseman Brady Skjei (76) controls the puck past Winnipeg Jets center Bryan Little (18) during the third period at MTS Centre. Rangers win 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 4, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Dan Girardi (5) against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena. The Rangers won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Dan Girardi (5) against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena. The Rangers won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

Dan Girardi

Grade: D

Girardi came into this season as the whipping boy of the Rangers weak defensive corps. However, Alain Vigneault has committed to his alternate captain and continues to give him top-pairing responsibilities. His placement alongside Ryan McDonagh has been a detriment to the Rangers best defensive asset.

Girardi’s possession woes have also continued this season, he has the lowest CF% (42.8%) out of all of the New York Rangers regulars. He has 3 goals through 28 games this season, a stat only mentionable because Girardi has averaged 4 goals a year since scoring 10 times in his first full season in the NHL.

Girardi’s glaring contract can not be masked, but his aging knees can be by a demotion in responsibility. If and when the Rangers find a solution to their need for a right-handed defenseman it will allow Girardi a change of role. Until that time, his spot in the lineup will be questioned on a nightly basis.

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