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New York Rangers Report Cards Round Two: The Defense

By Garrett Gartino

Oct 17, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Adam Clendening (4) looks to pass the puck against the San Jose Sharks during the first period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Adam Clendening (4) looks to pass the puck against the San Jose Sharks during the first period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Dan Girardi (5) reacts after defeating the Arizona Coyote at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Dan Girardi (5) reacts after defeating the Arizona Coyote at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

Dan Girardi

Previous Grade: D

It must be taxing to hold the title as the NHL’s worst defenseman, but Dan Girardi wears it proud. All jokes aside, this season has continued to be disastrous for the veteran defenseman.

Since his last grading, Girardi has accumulated only one goal and four assists to bring his season totals to four goals and eight assists. A brief ankle injury did sideline Girardi for a few games in early February, but he has otherwise been a first-pairing defenseman for most of the season.

Girardi has been a consistent anchor to one of the best defensemen in the NHL, and perhaps the Rangers’ best defenseman since Brian Leetch in Ryan McDonagh. If the Rangers are looking to becomes serious contenders for the Stanley Cup this season, they will find an alternative at McDonagh’s side.

New Grade: D

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