New York Rangers Analysis: Dan Girardi Has Stepped Up In Marc Staal's Absence

Always liked Girardi. Rarely makes stupid mistakes, is always willing to block shots, and makes strong plays in his own end. I had no doubt that he would be the rock of the defense with Staal out. I’m glad he’s finally getting some more appreciation for his efforts.

The best player on the ice besides the King. Just great those 2 games.

Whats the deal with woywitka? Is he going to be a factor with Staal’s injury being longer than expected? Is he gonna come in right away and take Erixson’s spot or even Eminger’s spot, who by the way deserves all the blame for the Ducks’ first goal. Erixon, i believe, was already in the corner defending the puck with support from the wing when Eminger skates over leaving the front of the net wide open for a chip shot goal…..anyway….can someone explain to me Woywitka’s role in all of this?

MdZ’s flop last game spoke volumes about him, Erixon, Emminger and some of the forwards; many times between those two games they looked like they didn’t know what to do/where to go. I do think Erixon and MdZ played well overall, although it would be ideal to play only one. Without Staal I’m very concerned about this team. We keep saying ‘when he returns’ how long will that be? Like Hiller’s vertigo, or someone like Savard, we could be in the dark about this for awhile and Staal could never be the same. We don’t have the offensive prowess of Vancouver/Tampa/SJ to rely on a less than strong D. Our game will be a mixed bag until we have Staal back. And as good as Girardi is, I don’t think he has the complete authority Staal has.

I wrote this for a couple of my Islander friends – enjoy

’Twas the start of the season, when all through the rink
All the fans were excited, this year they wouldn’t stink;
The banners were hung by the ceiling with care,
In hopes that another one would finally be there;
The fans were nestled all snug in their seats,
With visions of winning, there would be no defeats;
And John with his program, and Seth with his cap,
Had just settled down and prepared to clap,
When out on the ice there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the TV I flew like a winner,
Pulled up my chair and prepared to throw up my dinner.
The moon on the breast of the dilapidated rink
Gave the lustre of mid-day to the Islanders I think,
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But another crappy team, it’s going to be a long year!,
With a Rick DiPietro, neither agile nor quick,
I knew in a moment that this team would suck #!%.
More rapid than eagles his players they came,
And Capuano whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;
“Now, Tavares! Now, Streit! Now, Comeau and Nielsen!
On, Grabner! On Bailey! On, Martin and Moulson!
Standing on the top of the bench! Shouting over the glass!
“Play offense!, Play defense! and don’t forget to pass!”
But as history has shown no matter how hard they try,
When it’s time to play hockey, they fold and they die,
So back and forth the Coliseum ice they flew,
There are only 81 games left, there will be no playoffs for you!
But this season in New York City a different story will unfold
Their fans will be cheering "at least our team won’t be sold!"
They brought in Brad Richards, Tim Erixon and Mike Rupp,
Lord Stanley will soon be coming and he is bringing his Cup!
John Torterella sprang to his bench, to his team gave a shout,
And they played like champions beating their opponent in a rout.
But I heard John Fenech exclaim, as he drove out of sight,
"Once again the Islanders lose – Same old #!% Every Night"

Showed everybody that he is one of the best d-men in the game and is worth every penny we are paying him and then some.

Girardi has played Girardi’s game. I don’t see him doing anything different than last year.

It’s McDonagh that has stepped up in Staal’s absence, and done so excellently.

Has Woywitka dressed yet for a game or was he a healthy scratch in Sweden? Does Torts have any plans to play him or is he simply an extra man in case of another injury to a defenseman?