New York Rangers: Dan Girardi’s top moments and more

On Wednesday, the New York Rangers bought out the remainder of veteran defenseman Dan Girardi’s contract, which had four years remaining on it.

The 32-year-old played all 11 years in the NHL with the Rangers and collected an impressive list of accolades in New York.

Girardi is a two-time Norris Trophy Award nominee, appeared in the 2012 All-Star game and is ninth all time in games played with the Rangers (788).

Girardi didn’t play has high a quality game as the Rangers had hoped in his  last few years on the roster. However, this does not make the departure of a staple on the Rangers roster any easier.

Here, we take a look at some of Girardi’s best moments during his tenure.

OT winner vs. Islanders

In the 788 games Girardi skated in with the Rangers, he recorded 46 goals and 184 assists for 230 points and was plus-54.

During his 11 years with the Rangers, Girardi proved that he was an effective blueline player. He was able to control pucks along the line, maintain possession and generate scoring opportunities from the point.

But here, in this OT winner against the New York Islanders in 2012, Girardi displayed his sense and his ability to step up on the rush.

Though he was not as offensive as some of the other defensemen on the roster, Girardi has the power to put in pucks from the point. Many of the goals that Girardi scored during his time in New York seemed to come in big moments like this one.

Sacrificing the body (Eastern Conference Finals vs. Bruins)

Girardi is not afraid to put himself in front of pucks to prevent scoring chances and would play through almost everything.

Here, he gets a knee in front of a shot off the stick of Tyler Seguin (who seems dumbfounded the puck did not end up in the net) in the first game of the Eastern Conference Finals in 2012.

Girardi has excelled in blocking shots throughout his career because he has focused on maintaining his positioning. He had a career high 231 blocks back in the 2010-11 season and has averaged 165 blocks per season over the past 10 years .

Play like this one of the reasons Dan Girardi is such a fun player to watch. However, it is arguably also likely what led to a drop off in his play. The general wear and tear of the game has an impact on any player. But sacrificing your body leads to injuries, which takes an even greater toll.

The save with his skate (2014 Stanley Cup Final vs. the Los Angeles Kings)

He ranks ninth all-time on the team’s games played list, fifth among Rangers’ defensemen and has appeared in more games with New York than any other undrafted player in franchise history. Additionally, he has appeared playoff games than any other skater in franchise history (122).

The above is merely to say that Girardi’s presence in these games directly impacted the Rangers’ success in the postseason. This experience leads to scenarios like this, where his on ice experience allowed him keep a dangerous puck out of the goal.

This play from the 2013 Stanley Cup Final against the Kings kept the score at 3-0. Despite the Rangers loss and the fact that Girardi did not play a great series against Los Angeles, this is a prime example of the effort that Girardi puts into games.

2012 Winter Classic locker room

Girardi’s leadership is something that goes beyond what we see on the ice. Rangers management named Girardi an alternate captain during the 2011-12 season, while Marc Staal was out with an injury. It would a become a title he would hold throughout the remainder of his time with the Rangers.

Here is a clip from the Winter Classic from the same year Girardi  was awarded his “A.”

It is not often we get to see moments like these, which is why it is a moment to highlight.

Based on the outpouring of posts via social media by many Rangers on Wednesday — from Henrik Lundqvist and Ryan McDonagh to Mats Zuccarello — it is clear Girard was loved and will be missed by his teammates.

Round One 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs (vs. Montreal)

Girardi’s postseason experience was already mentioned, but his play in the first round of the 2017 playoffs against Montreal deserves to be recognized.

Girardi played inconsistent hockey throughout the regular season. And despite the criticism he faced, he stepped up in the first round against Montreal.

Girardi was a steady, reliable and even a physical complement to Ryan McDonagh in this series.

Girardi laid a huge hit on Andrew Shaw to ensure the Rangers possession of the puck coming out of the corner.

It is this physicality in important moments, alongside the solid positioning and smart puck movement that I would like to remember Girardi by. This is the type of player that Girardi is and will continue to be when it matters.